2. ICE DAMS
This mini-workshop What are ice dams?
is presented by the
Green Needham What causes ice dams?
Collaborative and
Next Step Living. What are the consequences of ice dams?
How are ice dams prevented?
The role of air sealing
The role of insulation
The role of ventilation
Myths about ice dams
First step…
3. CAN ICE DAMS BE PREVENTED?
There is no perfect solution
to prevent ice dams.
With the proper
preparation, ice dams can
be reduced, and in some
cases eliminated entirely.
http://greenhomesamerica.files.wordpress.com
5. WHAT ARE ICE DAMS?
Home in Sudbury last winter. How can they be identified?
Icicles hanging off of
an eave of a house
are the main indicator
of ice dams.
The larger the icicle,
the larger the ice dam.
6. WHAT ARE ICE DAMS?
1. Indoor heat loss
through attic, cathedral
ceilings and transitions
between walls and the
roof.
2. Melting water flows
down the roof towards the
eave.
3. An ice dam is formed.
4. Water builds up
behind the dam and
seeps into your home.
www.aquaguideinc.com
11. AIR SEALING
The Mass Save Home
Energy Services
Program rebates air
sealing.
• 100% rebated
• Thermadome
• Vapor barrier for
dirt crawl spaces
12. INSULATION
Rebated under the Mass Some Home
Energy Services Program
• 75% off – up to $2,000 - per year
• R-38 – 11 inches – of insulation
• Dense pack under floored attics
14. STRUCTURAL REALITY
Due to the design of certain homes,
eliminating ice dams will be very
difficult.
Cathedral ceilings
Cape Cod homes are more
prone to ice damming due
to convective heat loss in
transitions and sloped
ceilings.
greenhomesamerica.files.wordpress.com
15. MYTHS ABOUT ICE DAMS
Myth: Ice dams can be prevented by
slide sheets and electric coils.
Fact: While both of these solutions
have been said to work
anecdotally, neither actually
address the real problem.
www.buildingscience.com www.buildingscience.com
16. MYTHS ABOUT ICE DAMS
Myth: Ice dams are related to the
gutters.
Fact: Gutters do not necessarily cause
ice dams, although they can be severely
damaged by ice dams by extending the
frozen layer of ice beyond the eave of
the roof, putting excessive stress and weight
on the gutters.
www.icedamcompany.com
17. MYTHS ABOUT ICE DAMS
Myth: Raking the snow off the roof is a
great way to prevent ice dams.
Fact: Raking the snow off of your roof
can be very dangerous and cause
significant damage to the shingles. If
you don’t have ice dams, the layer of
snow that builds up on the roof is
actually a great insulator.
http://bladeworkz.com
18. FIRST STEP…
Visit www.greenneedham.org to learn
more about energy efficiency and no-cost
Mass Save home energy assessments.