Jan 14, 2023

Answers To Questions About Ice Dam Formation

Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am. Have your most pressing home improvement quandaries addressed by calling or texting 651-461-9226. Here’s the must-know information our COO, Andy Lindus shared on 1.14.23.

Midwestern homeowners often have questions about ice dam removal, diagnosis, and prevention. Ice dams are problematic because they can damage the following areas in your home:

To set the record straight, we’ve put together a list of common questions and answers about ice dams.

How Does An Ice Dam Formation Take Place?

Inconsistent roof surface temperatures are the primary cause of ice dams. Here’s how this scenario can occur:

How Can I Tell If I Have An Ice Dam At My House?

Ice dams can be hard to see from the ground. Here are a few ice dam signs:

Wet attic insulation
Gutters that cannot drain
Snow melting on the peak of the roof, but not the sides
Exterior walls with ice formation
Icicles on the edge of your roof

Do I Have To Get All New Insulation If I Have Ice Dams?

Some ice dams lead to wet insulation and attic mold growth. In this case, new house insulation is necessary. In other cases, tweaks to ventilation and attic air sealing can occur. It’s important to know that something as simple as a bath fan venting into the attic can cause ice dam formation.

Can I Have Ice Formation On My House Even If My Insulation And Ventilation Are Adequate?

Roof icicles can happen as part of Wisconsin and Minnesota’s freeze/thaw cycle. It’s important to know that not every ice dam has icicles. In the same way, roof icicles, do not always signal an ice dam.

Bonus Read: Ice Dam vs Icicles on Your Roof

What Is The Best Ice Dam Prevention?

Ice dam prevention methods should take into consideration your unique home. Many home insulation services offer complimentary heat map testing. This allows the insulation contractor to investigate where your home is losing energy. Insulation contractor services have tools such as blower doors and infrared imaging. These tools can identify needed upgrades to insulation, ventilation, and attic air seal sealing.

Your Ice Dam & Home Insulation Experts

Since 1979, we’ve helped Wisconsin and Minnesota homeowners with ice dams. We offer diagnostic testing that determines the origin of ice dams. With this information, we help create more comfortable and energy efficient homes. All insulation projects come with a lifetime workmanship guarantee. Contact us today if you have questions or to get a complimentary estimate.

Listen To The Entire Ice Dam Prevention Show:

Reviews Of Our Insulation Contractor Services:

"Thank you for going above and beyond the call of duty to help me out. Your expertise made all the difference in helping me resolve my house projects!"

Patricia M.

Bloomington, MN

August 19, 2022

"We used Lindus for a rather complicated attic re-insulation project. They are highly competent and do great work!"

Leon P.

White Bear Lake, MN

July 16, 2022

"Jason and the insulating crew did a great job. I told Jason it looked like nothing was done when he finished cleaning, which is a very good thing. The insulating crew did have a difficult time working under the bay window. They usually hold their spray gun about 2 ft. away from the surface. In our location, they only had a foot at the most. So, there was a lot of blowback, clean-up, and additional layers to get the final result."

Jerry P.

Eden Prairie, MN

June 16, 2022

"On two occasions, Randall was at my house involving insulation issues. He knows the business, is easy to work with, and I think he is a great asset to your company."

Mary W.

Maple Grove, MN

May 2, 2022

"They were contracted to insulate the garage ceiling which they did in a two-step process with both foam and blown-in insulation. They then returned to put up new gutters facia and soffits in a two day process that was professional, neat , and used materials economically."

Stephen G.

MInneapolis, MN

April 28, 2022

"Had Lindus blow in foam insulation into attic, what a difference it’s made! The house is noticeably warmer in the winter and my furnace is not running nearly as much as before. I know it will also help keep the house cool in the summer heat. They also installed some new windows and exterior trim. Everything turned out really well. Corey Hessler was fantastic in dealing with from start to finish and answered all my questions. Everyone I dealt with from Lindus, especially Corey, were kind and professional. In today’s day and age you get what you pay for. Lindus really delivers!"

Robert M.

Cottage Grove, MN

March 25, 2022