Minneapolis Ice Dam Prevention
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Our Services
Twin Cities Ice Dam Prevention And Removal
Our winter service offerings provide relief to Minnesota property owners plagued by ice dams. We have been tackling ice dam problems for years. Our ice dam prevention teams have worked on some of the worst ice dams mother nature has offered. When our team arrives they come prepared for all situations.
Ice Dam Prevention Tips
Problem
Ice dams form on your roof due to insufficient air sealing and attic ventilation.
Prevention
Guaranteeing ice dam removal in Minnesota is not possible, but research has shown positive in updating the issues below.
Attic Air Sealing – Sealing all bypass, recessed lights and fans with proper expanding foam is the most important factor in mitigating ice dams.
Attic Insulation – Insulating your attic is key for Minnesota homes. Recommend R-value in attics is R50 to R60, which results in 18-24 inches of fiberglass or cellulose insulation.
Attic Ventilation – Installing ventilation keeps your attic from over heating and causing ice dams to develop. Adding a roof vent or gable vent can go a long way to mitigate ice dam build up. If you’re interested in preventing ice dams from occurring, learn more about our Minnesota Attic Insulation services.
What Is An Ice Dam?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice formed by snow at the edge of your roof that stops melted ice water from running off to the ground. The ice dam continues to grow as water backs up behind the ice dam and re-freezes. This cycle continues until the problem area is removed or after the ice dam melts away.
Cause of the Ice Dam:
An ice dam is caused by different heat temperatures on your roof. Warm air can escape into your attic if you don’t have proper insulation and attic air sealing. This means the top of the roof is most often warmer than the bottom, which causes the snow to melt and then re-freeze. This process of melting and re-freezing snow is what forms the ice dam.
For more detailed information please read U of M’s study on Minnesota Ice Dams.
How Can I Prevent An Ice Dam?
Minnesota ice dam prevention should be handled by a licensed and insured insulation contractor. Minnesota ice dams are caused by heat differences in your roof that can stem from multiple problems inside of your attic. Improper insulation or inadequate air sealing can sometimes lead to non-uniform roof surface temperatures that cause ice dams. By having an energy audit completed and eliminating insufficient insulation you will be well on your way to eliminating your ice dams.
This is the major cause of ice dams in Minnesota and can be taken care of by our professional Minneapolis insulation contractor. However, if it’s too late and snow has already accumulated on your roof, it would be a good idea to remove it quickly.
