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Icicles forming on your roof and gutters during winter may be pretty to look at, but they can be troublesome. The conditions that make them possible can also indicate existing ice dams. Read on as one of the leading gutter guard companies in the area, Gutter Helmet® of Eastern Shore explains why these formations can cause serious damage to your home.

How Ice Dams Form

Ice dams are a common winter problem that happens when there is poor ventilation on the roof and in the attic. It starts when heat collects in the attic and warms the roof. As snow lands on the roof, it melts on the warm part and freezes on the cold part. This process continues until a thick, solid ridge of ice forms along the eaves. The meltwater backs up behind the formation, making its way to the inner layers of the roof and into the insulated parts of the attic.

Ignoring this can compromise your gutters, roof, siding and insulation. Since meltwater backs up, it cannot be drained off the roof into the gutter system. The weight of the ice can also damage the gutters and shingles.

Solutions for Preventing or Managing Ice Dams

Before the harsh cold of winter sets in, you should prepare your home to get ahead of ice dams. One way to do so is to promote ventilation under the roof deck. It will help keep the heat out of the attic. Adding the right amount of insulation is needed to prevent heat coming from your living space from warming your attic. Sealing air leaks is just as important in this regard.

Before the first snow falls, clean your gutters. This will let melted snow flow down to your gutters and to the downspouts. You can equip them with heating cables to ensure stable temperatures on the areas of your roof during winter. You can do this using the Helmet Heat® system, which can be installed together with the Gutter Helmet gutter covers. It is energy-efficient and generates heat when needed.

Gutter Helmet of Eastern Shore, one of the leading gutter guard companies in the area, installs Gutter Helmet with the Helmet Heat system. Give us a call at (866) 333-8150 to learn more. You can also fill out our contact form and we will respond to you as soon as possible. We serve residents of Salisbury, MD, and other nearby areas.