How to Avoid Ice Dams This Winter in Toronto
Published on December 14, 2022
As temperatures drop and go below zero degrees Celsius, you may start to notice icicles forming around your roof. These shimmering ice formations decorate the neighbourhoods in the wintertime and add a feeling of holiday spirit. But, if you experience large icicles near the edge of your roof, it could indicate a more severe issue - ice dams. Ice dams seem harmless but they require attention as soon as possible. A great preventative measure is to reach out to a professional company for attic insulation in Toronto. EcoComfort’s attic insulation costs are exceptionally affordable, permitting a stress-free holiday season for the whole family.
Continue reading to learn how to avoid ice dams and how they relate to your attic insulation in Toronto.
What Are Ice Dams?
After heavy snowfalls and fluctuating temperatures, warm air from your home can escape through your attic or top floor, and without adequate attic insulation, the snow can melt on your roof. Once the snow melts off your roof, it runs down to your eaves, where the roof edge is colder. It then freezes and creates a barrier that prevents adequate drainage. The chunk of ice that forms is called an ice dam, which can cause water to become trapped beneath your shingles, leak into your home, and damage your roof, walls, and ceilings. The structural damages to your home will cost a fortune compared to the costs of attic insulation, so it’s crucial to prioritize installing high-quality attic insulation in Toronto. At EcoComfort, we have years of experience installing blown in cellulose insulation to sufficiently fill any crevices or cracks, providing you with an air-tight thermal barrier.
Signs Ice Damming is a Problem
This winter, it’s essential to check for signs of ice dams on your roof. Keep an eye out for icicles. Small pieces that hang from your gutters for a brief period are not a concern. However, when icicles start to grow in length and width, it becomes a problem. Large, thick icicles cannot hang from your roof without being trapped in an ice dam, which means you likely have heated air escaping through your attic cavity due to insufficient insulation.
Other indications include:
- Water dripping & freezing down the exterior of your home
- Sagging or collapsed ice-filled gutters
- Melted snow
- Gutters that aren’t draining properly
- Mold outbreak
- Water damage to ceilings, peeling paint & damaged plaster
- Wet or damaged insulation
How to Avoid Ice Dams This Winter?
To avoid getting ice dams this winter, you must resolve three things: increasing ventilation, upgrading attic insulation, and sealing off all air leaks. Fortunately, the professionals at EcoComfort offer all of the above! With poor, damaged, or inadequate insulation, your roof and home will suffer the repercussions. Between structural damage, water damage, cold drafts, and poor thermal protection, having insufficient attic insulation results in several issues that can be costly. To ensure that your home has evenly distributed heat, proper ventilation, effective air sealing, and is free from ice damming, it’s crucial that you reach out to EcoComfort for ventilation and attic insulation services.
Attic Insulation in Toronto with EcoComfort
At EcoComfort, we have years of experience installing attic insulation in Toronto. Our experts use top-quality, environmentally friendly, and non-toxic materials that provide outstanding thermal insulation for the entire home.
Do you need to prevent ice damming this winter?
