Can I Heat My Attic to Get Rid of Ice Dams?

Warning

• Ice dams cause large amounts of damage to your home, so take steps to rectify the situation as soon as you notice a problem. Any openings, holes or cracks in your attic walls provide a spot for the water. The melted snow leaks through those areas, damaging the ceiling, interior walls, exterior walls and insulation. Depending on the amount of water damage, the water may even cause mildew or mold.

Heating the Attic

• According to the University of Minnesota, ice dams occur when melted snow pours down the house and encounters areas where the temperature drops below 32 degrees F. When you turn the heat up in the attic, the heat causes the snow to melt faster and causes more water to run down the side of the house. The water still encounters the colder air and freezes back onto the sides of the house, creating the ice dams. Any time melted snow reaches temperatures below 32 degrees F, an ice dam may form.

Prevent Ice Dams

• Instead of attempting to heat your attic, prevent ice dams by raking or wiping off the excess snow on your roof. If you live in a home with multiple stories, then hire a professional to clean off the roof. Remove as much of the snow as possible, which reduces the chances of the snow melting and forming ice dams. Spraying the ice dam with warm water once it forms helps stop more water from flowing into the dam and making the dam worse. The University of Minnesota points out that using warm water only works as a temporary solution and you still need to remove the ice dam.

Ice Dam Removal

• Use a sharp object such as an axe or ice pick when removing an ice dam. This is dangerous, so consider allowing a professional to tackle this job. Several companies make ice melting pellets or tablets, which home improvement stores sell. Toss the pellets onto the roof and let sit. The pellets slowly melt the surrounding ice and help dislodge the ice dam. Ordinary salt used for snow removal works equally well, but you may consider climbing on or near the roof and applying the salt directly to the ice dam.