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With the snow and cold temperatures that come with winter, you may also have some unwanted icicles hanging from your roof. If you do, then you probably have ice dams building up, which can cause damage to your house.

An ice dam is a ridge of ice developing at the edge of a roof which prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. The dam grows in size as it is fed by the melting snow above it. Ice dams are caused by non-uniform roof surface temperatures. These occur due to heat that comes from the house. The heat can move through the ceiling and and insulation, or if there are cracks or openings in the ceiling, the warm air from the house will rise into the attic space and heat the roof as well.

For more information about what causes ice dams, how to prevent them and what to do if you do have them, view our fact sheet.
      Ice Dams Fact Sheet

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR helps you improve the comfort, safety, durability and energy efficiency of your home. Our trained professionals can identify the cause of problems within your home (like ice dams), and provide solutions to these problems.

For more information on the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^® Program, view our fact sheet:
      Home Performance Fact Sheet

or visit the Home Improvement pages on this Web site.