Clogged Gutters Ice Dams

Snow and ice build up ice damming rotten fascia and soffit.

Clogged gutters ice dams.

While ice dams can form on homes with clean gutters clogged gutters prevent water from draining which increases the chance for ice dams. However a house with gutters can sometimes be prone to larger thicker ice dams when compared to a similar house that doesn t have gutters. Gutters are perfect places for ice dams to form especially if they re already clogged with leaves and debris. The cost of fixing damaged gutters is nothing in comparison to the potential cost in home repairs especially if the problem persists.

The ice then grows to the point that an ice dam forms at the edge of the roof line. In some cases they can be found on the roof s lower edges. Do you know how to remove an ice dam. Lay the hose onto the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter.

And in the winter months ice dams can drive snow melt underneath your shingles. What damage can ice dams cause. If ignored ice dams can cause serious damage to your roof gutters paint insulation and interior drywall and other surfaces. More critically ice dams can cause meltwater to back up under the shingles where it can flow down and ruin ceiling and wall surfaces.

Clogged gutters can also cause water leaks on the inside of your home. In many cases clogged gutters downspouts or a clogged drain tile causes them. Ice dams in colder climates ice dams can form on the gutters or the lower edge of the roof causing water to pool and eventually seep into the home. Angie s list guide to gutter cleaning.

Obviously gutters have nothing to do with this. If there is clogging of the gutter system the water will not flow properly and will sit and freeze. You probably remember that ice dams are caused by your roof heating up to a temperature greater than 32 degrees. If necessary use a long handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position.

We estimate that 75 of all ice dams originate in the gutter. Wall and ceiling damage. No matter what the gutter problem is you need to identify and address it as soon as possible. Find out in this blog post.

That s the underlying problem. Homes that are located in naturally cold climates may experience ice dam formations. Meltwater drains down to the eaves or gutters where it refreezes and the accumulating ice makes a dam preventing additional snow melt from draining off. These dams cause water to pool and seep into your building.

Trapped water can rot the wooden fascia boards your gutters are mounted to letting moisture enter your home.