Why Do Ice Dams Form on Fort Collins Roofs?
Ice dams form when heat escaping from the house melts snow on the upper roof and the meltwater refreezes at the cold eaves. Fort Collins' long snow season and frequent warm spells create plenty of melt-and-freeze cycles, so homes with warm attics are prone to them.
Request a rooferHow much snow does Fort Collins get?
About 51 inches a year on average, falling anywhere from early September to the end of May. December is the coldest month, averaging about 31°F.
Why do warm spells matter?
Downslope winds off the foothills bring frequent warm spells in winter. Snow melts fast, then refreezes overnight, building ice at the eaves.
How can I tell I have one?
Heavy icicles, a thick band of ice along the roof edge, and stains on ceilings or walls near outside walls after snow.
What should I do right away?
Use a roof rake from the ground to pull snow off the lowest few feet of roof. Don't chip ice or climb on an icy roof.
How do I stop them?
Seal air leaks into the attic, add insulation and improve ventilation so the roof deck stays cold. When the roof is replaced, an ice and water barrier along the eaves adds protection. See ice dams and winter roof problems.
What if water already got in?
Look in the attic for wet insulation and stained boards, dry what you can and have the roof and eaves checked once it's safe.
Do heat cables help?
Heat cables zig-zagged along the eaves can keep channels open for meltwater in trouble spots. They use power and treat the symptom rather than the cause, so most roofers see them as a backup to insulation and ventilation, not a replacement. A roofer or insulation contractor can tell you which fixes will make the biggest difference for your attic, and whether the eaves need repair after a hard winter.
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