How do ice dams affect homes in Savage?

Ice dams are a recurring winter problem in Savage and across the Twin Cities, and they cause some of the most expensive seasonal damage we document. An ice dam forms when heat escaping into the attic melts snow on the upper roof, the water runs down to the cold eaves and refreezes, and the growing ridge of ice backs water up under the shingles and into the home. The result is stained ceilings, soaked insulation, rotted roof decking, and damaged exterior walls. The root cause is almost always inadequate attic insulation and air sealing combined with poor attic ventilation, allowing warm indoor air to reach the roof deck. During the inspection we evaluate attic insulation depth, look for air-sealing gaps around light fixtures, bath fans, and the attic hatch, check ventilation at the soffits and ridge, and inspect for existing water staining at eaves and valleys that signals past ice-dam events. Addressing insulation and ventilation is the permanent fix; cables and raking are only band-aids. To find out whether a home is prone to ice dams, call us or build a free instant quote online.