How to Prevent Gutters from Icing

Like those icicles? They're pretty, but they also mean you have an ice dam at the edge of your roof preventing the snow from melting off and running freely down the gutters. The problem is that water can work its way up under the shingles and leak into the house.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Blow-in Insulation
• Fiberglass Insulation
• Sheetrock
• Heat Tape
• Caulks

1. Understand what causes ice dams: Heat from the attic melts snow, which runs down to the eaves and gutters. Because these areas are colder, water freezes and collects, forming a dam that prevents further runoff.

2. Add insulation in the attic. The optimum level is R-44.

3. Check existing insulation to make sure it has not gotten wet. Remove any wet insulation and repair roof leaks immediately.

4. Insure that attic vents are not blocked. You want the attic to stay cool to reduce snow melt.

5. When the weather is suitable, consider applying an underlayer of waterproofing shingles or an ice and water shield along the roof edges.

6. Find and seal any hidden air leaks inside your home that are allowing warm air into the attic. These leaks, called attic bypasses, are commonly found around fan housings, electrical boxes and fixtures, stairway walls and places where plumbing and heating ducts go through walls. Caulk or cover these areas with a piece of sheetrock cut to size.

7. Heating tape or de-icing cable can temporarily reduce ice when run along eaves, roof valleys, downspouts and gutters. They aren't a good long-term solution, however, as the increase in electricity consumption is quite noticeable.

Tips & Warnings

• It's not helpful to add more insulation once the R-44 level has been reached.

• Pour hot water in the gutters and downspouts to melt ice buildup for a temporary fix.

• Removing snow from the roof is also helpful, but have a professional do it, as a slick roof is extremely dangerous.

• Don't use attic fans or other motorized ventilating devices. These can cause a loss of pressure in the attic, which will suck warm, moist air up from your house and make the problem even worse.