Ice dams are incredibly common during winters in Minnesota, and the primary cause of ice dam formation is poor insulation or a lack of adequate attic insulation and/or air sealing in your home. Therefore, insulation and air sealing are also the main solutions for helping to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof in the first place during the winter and potentially resulting in major roof damage. Here are some of the types of insulation and air sealing that can help to prevent ice dams: How Insulation Can Help to Prevent Ice Dams
Attic Insulation
One of the most important areas of your home when it comes to protecting your home from ice dam formation is attic insulation. Attic insulation helps to prevent the heat from your heating system from escaping via your attic and roof, which can cause ice dams to form by melting the snow on top of your roof and causing it to refreeze in the form of ice dams. Attic insulation is crucial for protecting your home from the winter elements, which is why you should make sure that your attic is adequately insulated and that the insulation in your attic is up-to-date and working effectively.
Air Duct Insulation
Another type of insulation that can help prevent ice dams from forming is air duct insulation. Heat has a tendency to escape or be lost during the heating process due to having uninsulated air ducts. When heat escapes from your air ducts, it can rise into your attic, thereby facilitating the formation of ice dams.
Attic Ventilation
Poor ventilation, along with poor attic insulation, is one of the two main causes of temperature changes in your roof. Allowing chilly winter air to circulate through your attic keeps your roof cool and prevents ice dams from developing in the first place. Proper attic ventilation also helps to keep moisture out of your attic as well, which helps to reduce the chances of your attic and roof having mold, mildew, and rot-related issues.
Attic Hatch Sealing
Lastly, your attic hatch is a large hole that allows heat to enter into your attic. Your attic hatch is just another area of your home that can allow heat to escape through your roof and ice dams to form. That’s why it’s important to seal your attic hatch so that it doesn’t cause issues for you in winter.
If your home feels drafty and you are looking to insulate or air-seal your attic or other areas of your home, then don’t hesitate to contact Century Insulation, the best insulation contractors near Minneapolis MN, today.