Do Gutters Cause Ice Dams

If people try to tell you otherwise either politely correct them or slam the door in their face and let them use the money they make from their revolutionary no ice dam gutter system to have a surgeon un flatten their nose.

Do gutters cause ice dams.

They don t as i ve written. Different from normal icicles ice dams are large buildups of ice on your gutter. Contrary to popular belief gutters do not cause ice dams. It s not that gutters and or gutter guards cause ice dams.

Clogged gutters downspouts and underground drain tiles. People who tell you gutters cause ice dams don t know the science behind ice dams. The havoc ice dams wreak. Do gutter guards prevent ice dams.

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. We estimate that 75 of all ice dams originate in the gutter. Gutters don t work quite the same in the winter. When this happens they fallen gutter protection actually cause a blockage which can lead to ice dams and expensive damage to your home.

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. These large masses can cause your gutter system to tear down or other damages dangers to the surrounding areas. This can also prevent the drainage flow of melted snow and ice through your gutters which can lead to water damage. Watch out a common sign of water damage caused from ice damming are water spots on the ceiling.

Roofs leak on attic insulation. 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. Gutters do not cause ice dams. As gutters fill with ice they often bend and rip away from the house bringing fascia fasteners and downspouts in tow.

Lay the hose onto the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter. In both cases the heat melts the ice on the roof. This constant refreezing can cause ice dams and icicles to form along the gutters. 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.

If necessary use a long handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position. 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.