It’s winter in Utah and it’s cold and the snow is piling up on your roof. That may not sound threatening, but the danger is just around the corner, or in this case, just above your head.

What is Utah Ice Damming?

 

Neighbor 1: What is an ice dam on a roof?

Neighbor 2: Damage waiting to happen!

 

Why Do Ice Dams Form In Utah Home Rooftops?

When outside temperatures rise enough to warm the attic just below a typical sloping roof, the underside of the roof snow starts melting. The meltwater runs down the shingles of the roof to the eaves, the lower segment which stays cold because it extends below and beyond the warm surface above the attic. The water freezes on the eaves and starts forming a thick ice layer known as an ice dam.