--- title: Winter Weather - Ice Dam Guide - #prep4winter description: Ice Dam Guide -- how to prevent them and what to do if you get them. image: https://www.demsure.com/hubfs/Ice_Damn_Guide.png --- [![DEM Header Logo.png](https://www.demsure.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20Redesign/DEM%20Header%20Logo.png?width=460&name=DEM%20Header%20Logo.png "DEM Header Logo.png")](https://www.demsure.com/) # Dempsey Insurance Agency Blog # Winter Weather - Ice Dam Guide - #prep4winter [Kate Dempsey](https://www.demsure.com/blog/author/kate-dempsey) Dec 3, 2015 10:24:01 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Ice_Damn_Guide.png](https://www.demsure.com/hubfs/Ice_Damn_Guide.png "Ice_Damn_Guide.png") **What is an Ice Dam? ** - Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the edge of a roof and prevent melting snow from draining off your roof - Water that backs up behind the dam can leak into your home and cause damage - Walls, insulation and ceilings are at the greatest risk for damage from an ice dam **How to Prevent Ice Dams?** - Proper insulation - Attic insulation should have an R value of 30.* Insulate around areas that may allow for heat to escape easily - lights, bathroom fans, sky lights, etc. - Proper Ventilation - Allow heat to escape in other ways than the roof. Investigate gable vents, ridge vents and soffit venting - Installation of Roof Leak Barrier - A rubberized film that gets installed under roof shingles to block water from leaking into vulnerable areas - Keep all drains, downspouts and scuppers free of debris - Maintain trees and plants that grow near your roof to prevent accumulation that may clog or slow roof drainage - Get an energy audit done of your home to identify potential areas of concern * *R value is how well the material used to insulate can function at keeping the heat where it needs to be.                     The higher the value the better the insulating power. * **What other factors contribute to ice damming?** - Complex roof designs - Skylights - Dormers - Vaulted Ceilings - Periods of unoccupancy greater than 30 days **What to do if you have an Ice Dam?** - Remove the first three to four feet of snow from the roofline with a roof rake or soft bristled broom **Warning **- **Be extremely careful while removing snow from your roof. ** - Make sure the ladder is secure - Beware of falling snow and ice as you clear the roof - Consult with a roofing professional when dealing with snow removal - If the home is too tall to reach the roof then hire a roofing professional to clear the snow - Contact Dempsey Insurance agent as soon as possible. **Source: **www.disastersafety.org/ibhs-risks-freezing-weather/reduce-winter-weather-damage-to-businesses https://bct.eco.umass.edu/publications/by-title/preventing-ice-dams/ http://www.gaf.com/Roofing/Residential/Products/Leak_Barriers Topics: [Insurance Norwood](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/insurance-norwood), [Ice Damn Prevention](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/ice-damn-prevention), [#prep4winter](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/prep4winter) ### Get a Free Quote! 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