Ice Dams and Gutters: Winter Prevention in Rockford, IL
Updated
Short answer
How an ice dam forms
The University of Minnesota Extension describes an ice dam as a ridge of ice at the edge of a roof that keeps melting snow from draining off. For one to form, there must be snow on the roof while the upper roof is above freezing and the edge is below it. The heat comes mainly from the house, through air leaks into the attic. Water backs up behind the dam, finds its way under the shingles and into ceilings and walls.
What gutters have to do with it
Gutters don't cause ice dams, and clean gutters won't stop one on a leaky, warm attic. But a gutter packed with wet leaves freezes into a solid trough that the ice builds on, and the weight of ice in a full gutter is what pulls hangers out of the fascia. Before winter:
- Clean the gutters and valleys after the leaves are down, see fall gutter cleaning.
- Make sure every downspout runs free and its extension carries water away from paths and driveways, where it would freeze.
- Re-hang any loose sections so they can carry snow load.
Rockford winters by the numbers
NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals for the Rockford airport list 37.1 inches of snow a year, 10.9 of it in January, and 135.8 days with a low at or below freezing. Freeze and thaw cycles in February and March are when dams grow.
If you already have one
The Extension suggests removing roof snow with a roof rake, and in an emergency channeling water through the dam, and warns that anyone on a winter roof risks injury. HomeGuide puts removal at $200 to $300 with salt or melt tablets, $800 to $1,800 by chipping and $800 to $2,400 by steam, which it calls the most effective method. The long-term fix is in the attic: the Building America Solution Center details air sealing and insulation for ice dam prevention.
Common questions
Ice Dam Prevention: questions
Do clean gutters prevent ice dams?
Not on their own. Ice dams come from heat escaping into the attic. Clean gutters and open downspouts limit how much ice builds and how much weight hangs on the gutters.
How much does ice dam removal cost?
HomeGuide lists $200 to $300 for minor dams with salt or melt tablets and $800 to $2,400 for steam removal, the most effective method.
Should gutters be cleaned in winter?
Only if they are clogged and can be reached safely. The better plan is a late fall cleaning before the first heavy snow.
Other gutter services
Ice Dam Prevention in the Rockford area
Tell us the address, how tall the house is and what you need. A local crew calls back with a price before anything is booked.