02/04/2026
Great information from our friends over at Storm Guard Roofing of Wilmington, NC
Hello Wilmington and surrounding communities. Hope everyone is staying safe after the Snowstorm. Here are some tips about Ice Dams and how they can affect your roofs and homes! If you have any questions or issues, please feel free to call us for a free inspection! (910)769-3731. Stay Safe
Think you’re well-informed when it comes to ice dams? Here are nine facts about them that you may not be aware of:
1. They don’t need much snow. Even when most of the snow on your roof has melted, an ice dam can still remain along the edge of your roof.
2. They don’t even need much ice. Though ice dams can become fairly thick, it only takes about an inch of ice to cause problems – especially for roofs with gentle pitches.
3. They can form on upper stories as well. If you have a separate roof above your second or third floor, it’s possible for ice dams to develop in those areas too.
4. Gutters don’t matter. Ice dams can be found on rooflines even when no gutters are present. While ice can form inside gutters and merge with ice dams, guttering isn’t a requirement for the formulation of ice dams.
5. Icicles are a telltale sign. If you see bulky or long icicles forming on your roofline, chances are good that they’re being supported by an ice dam. (These icicles are also dangerous if they break off and fall on someone.)
6. The main cause of ice dams? Heat. It sounds counterintuitive but escaping heat from your attic or crawlspaces melt the snow on your roof, where it runs down and freezes on your colder roofline. That’s why it’s important to insulate these interior spaces.
7. Quality insulation is better than quantity. You can install all of the insulation you want, but if you still have warm air escaping into the attic or roof space from your home’s interior, you’ll still be battling ice dams.
8. Water damage takes time. If you do see cracks, stains, peeled paint, warped wood, or other signs of water damage in your home, chances are the water has been inside for a while. The melt-freeze cycle allows water to migrate through openings and into your home, but it often moves around ceiling and wall cavities until it finds the right place to escape.