Ice Dam Prevention
Frozen gutters and thick icicles are the tell-tale signs of ice dams, which can damage shingles and leak into your attic, drywall, furniture, and floors. A roofer offers a temporary fix; DBS prevents future ice dams at the source by air sealing and improving the insulation in your attic.
Why Ice Dams Form on Your Roof
Ice damming occurs when heat from inside the attic warms the underside of the roof and melts the snow on top. The meltwater runs down to the cold overhang and gutters, where it refreezes into a ridge of ice and icicles. As the dam builds near the eave, water puddles behind it and can leak under the shingles and into the home. A water spot on the ceiling is a sign of a leaky roof.
Several factors lead to ice dams, including inadequate attic insulation, poor attic ventilation, and clogged gutters. Chipping the ice off your roof only damages shingles. The lasting fix is to air seal and insulate so attic heat stops melting the snow.
How DBS Prevents Ice Dams
A roofing patch treats the symptom. DBS treats the cause with two coordinated upgrades.
Solution 1
Air Sealing & Attic Insulation
Air sealing is done before adding insulation, since insulating first only buries leaks around can lights, drywall-to-stud seams, pipe and wire holes, and chimney and duct chases. Sealing then insulating keeps attic heat from reaching the roof, and also fixes drafty rooms and high bills.
Solution 2
Seal & Insulate Air Ducts
A furnace may heat air to 100 degrees and send it through leaky ducts in a 30-degree attic, dumping heat that melts roof snow. Sealing and insulating ducts keeps that heat out of the attic and delivers it to the rooms it was meant for.
Ice Dam Prevention: What to Expect
1.
Free on-site inspection and estimate
A specialist measures current insulation depth, recommends a target R-value, and presents a written proposal.
2.
Air seal the attic
Leaks that let warm air into the attic, around can lights, seams, pipes, wires, and chases, are sealed first.
3.
Seal and insulate ducts
Attic ductwork is sealed and insulated so it stops warming the roof deck from below.
4.
Upgrade attic insulation
High-performance attic insulation, including spray foam and blown-in options, is added to keep the roof cold.
5.
Walkthrough
The crew reviews the completed work and the comfort, efficiency, and ice-dam benefits.
See the Hidden Benefits of Basement Insulation!
Why Fix Ice Dams with DBS
Prevention, Not Patches
DBS stops future ice dams at the source instead of chipping ice off the roof each winter.
Two Problems, One Visit
The same upgrades that stop ice dams also cut high heating bills and drafts.
Protects Your Home
Preventing dams protects shingles and stops leaks into the attic, drywall, and floors.
Duct Sealing
Sealing warm attic ducts removes a hidden heat source that melts roof snow.
Energy Evaluation
A home energy evaluation pinpoints the problem areas behind your ice dams.
Pays for Itself
Air sealing and insulation upgrades pay back in fuel and electricity savings.
Stop Ice Dams Before Next Winter. Get a Free Inspection
DBS prevents ice dams across Minnesota and Wisconsin including Duluth, Eau Claire, Elk River, Saint Cloud, and Minnetonka. Every estimate includes an attic inspection and a written proposal with no obligation.
Home Insulation
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DBS Repair has been keeping attics, basements, crawl spaces, and walls warm in winter and cool in summer with home insulation across Minnesota and Wisconsin,
from Duluth to Eau Claire, for nearly 15 years!
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