5 tips to preventing ice dams from forming in your gutters in the winter.
Gutter ice dams how to prevent.
The key to preventing ice dams is simply to keep your attic and roof cold.
Keep gutters clear of debris at all times.
Improving ventilation and reducing heat sources against the inside roof surface are the best ways to prevent ice dams but if these methods aren t practical then it is possible to install electric heat cable along the edge of the roof line and gutters.
Attached with clips along the roof s edge in a zigzag pattern heated cables help prevent ice dams that lift shingles and cause leaks.
After a snowfall a cold roof will have a thick blanket of snow.
A warmer roof however will soon have clear spots where the snow has melted off and may well have icicles hanging from the eaves.
This will make it more difficult for dams to form.
Gutter heating systems slowly warm the snow and ice that moves toward your gutters.
What you can do to prevent ice dams.
Leaves and other materials that can find their way onto your roof and into your gutter system can of course add to the buildup preventing initial waters from draining and thus create an atmosphere conducive to.
While keeping your gutters clear of debris should be a regular practice throughout the year such a thing is absolutely essential from late autumn into the winter.
How can you gradually get rid of the snow and ice prevent ice dams and also protect your roof.
As autumn comes to an end clear out any debris and gunk that your gutter guard didn t catch.
This solution allows you to equalize your roof s temperature by heating it from the outside instead of blowing in cold air from the inside as we mention next in fast fixes.