Do Gutters Cause Ice Dams

Roofs leak on attic insulation.

Do gutters cause ice dams.

In order to separate fact from fiction and to make the right decisions for your home here s what you need to. Clogged gutters downspouts and underground drain tiles. The calcium chloride will eventually melt through the snow and ice and create a channel for water to flow down into the gutters or off the roof. If necessary use a long handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position.

As gutters fill with ice they often bend and rip away from the house bringing fascia fasteners and downspouts in tow. When this happens they fallen gutter protection actually cause a blockage which can lead to ice dams and expensive damage to your home. The havoc ice dams wreak. Gutter guards will prevent debris from getting in your gutters which can alleviate ice dams but they still often freeze during the year s coldest months this allows the thick heavy ridges of ice along your roof s eaves to form.

However gutters do help to concentrate ice and water in the very vulnerable area at the edge of the roof. Contrary to popular belief gutters do not cause ice dams. This can also prevent the drainage flow of melted snow and ice through your gutters which can lead to water damage. They don t as i ve written.

But if the combination of poor attic insulation poor ventilation and heavy snow causes an ice dam as so often happens you may rue the day you gave your gutters a hat. Different from normal icicles ice dams are large buildups of ice on your gutter. People who tell you gutters cause ice dams don t know the science behind ice dams. In both cases the heat melts the ice on the roof.

Gutters don t work quite the same in the winter. If not properly taken care of the ice will begin to build up under the shingles which may lead to water damage in the home. A cubic foot of ice weights roughly 60 pounds and when enough builds up on your gutter guards they may collapse into the gutter system. Watch out a common sign of water damage caused from ice damming are water spots on the ceiling.

We estimate that 75 of all ice dams originate in the gutter. Then it will refreeze at the edge of the roof or in the gutter and cause the dam to form and potential damage as a result. Do gutter guards prevent ice dams. Gutters do not cause ice dams.

These large masses can cause your gutter system to tear down or other damages dangers to the surrounding areas. This constant refreezing can cause ice dams and icicles to form along the gutters.