What Is an Ice Dam and How Does It Affect Your Boise Home?
When winter hits Boise, your roof becomes the front line of defense against the harsh conditions. There is a roofing issue that is only seen in regions that experience heavy snow and ice, and it is called an Ice Dam. Understanding what ice dams are and how to prevent them can save you from water damage and expensive repairs when the snow melts.
What Is an Ice Dam?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of your roof. We commonly see them near the gutters, and they can cause serious issues on your roof.
How do Ice Dams Form?
Ice Dams are formed when heat escapes from your home and warms the underside of your roof, melting the snow above. The melted snow runs down toward the colder edges of the roof, away from where the warm spot is releasing heat. When it reaches the eaves, it refreezes and creates a dam that traps melting snow and water behind it.
Over time, this trapped water has nowhere to go but under your shingles, through your roof deck, and into your attic or walls. The ice itself probably wouldn’t have caused a leak, but this series of events and the creation of an ice dam is a substantial issue over time.
How Ice Dams Damage Your Home
Even a small ice dam can cause big problems for your home. Here’s how:
Roof Leaks
Water that backs up under shingles can rot the decking and leak directly into your home.
Ceiling and Wall Stains
Moisture seeping inside can create yellow or brown water spots on ceilings and drywall.
Insulation Damage
Wet insulation loses its ability to keep your home warm, making heating costs climb even higher.
Gutter Damage
The weight of the ice can pull gutters loose or cause them to crack.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Dampness in your attic or walls can quickly lead to mold, which is an issue to avoid at all costs.
Why Ice Dams Are Common in Boise
Boise’s mix of cold nights and sunny days creates perfect conditions for ice dams. The temperature often rises above freezing during the day and drops sharply overnight. That freeze-thaw cycle means snow melts, runs down the roof, and refreezes again. The process repeats over and over again until ice dams build up along your eaves and gutters.
How to Prevent Ice Dams
The good news is that Ice Dams are entirely preventable with the right attention early on. These five steps can help you avoid costly winter leaks:
- Add insulation: Keep warm air from escaping into your attic by ensuring you have adequate insulation.
- Seal air leaks: Close gaps around vents, chimneys, and light fixtures to reduce heat loss.
- Vent your attic: Proper airflow keeps the roof temperature more even, helping snow melt naturally instead of refreezing.
- Clean your gutters: Clogged gutters prevent melting snow from draining properly and make ice dams worse.
- Schedule a professional inspection: A roofing expert can spot weak insulation, poor ventilation, or problem areas before winter hits.
NXT LVL Roofing & Exteriors Can Help You Avoid Ice Dams
The hidden water damage of ice dams can lead to expensive winter-time repairs. Don’t wait until you notice heavy ice buildup on your roof to get it checked out. A quick inspection and a few smart upgrades can protect your home, save on energy bills, and keep your roof strong all winter long. Call today for your free inspection! nd family, finding the right roofer is key. A licensed and reputable roofing company will have the knowledge to help you determine if your home needs a new roof. If you are in need of a new roof but are on a budget, always ask about financing options that are available to you.
Is your roof reaching the end of its lifespan? NXT LVL Roofing & Exteriors is local to the Treasure Valley Area and offers free, no-obligation inspections.
