Energy Efficiency Buzzwords De-Buzzed: Ice Dams

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Don't to the experts at Evergreen Home Performance about preventing ice dam damage to your Maine home.

Every industry does it. We use words that mean so much to us that we don’t realize that they’re meaningless to the rest of the world. This series – Energy Efficiency Buzzwords De-Buzzed– attempts to change that. Have a “green” word or phrase you want de-buzzed? Let us know and we’ll add it to the series!

Today’s buzzword: Ice Dams

Unfortunately, ice dams are a familiar-enough concept that they hardly qualify as a buzzword. Everyone knows that heavy icicles can pull off gutters, crash to the ground, trap water on the roof deck, and cause serious leaks, and everyone’s abuzz with quick, temporary fixes. Real solutions demand an understanding of the building science behind this common winter sight, though, and that’s how ice dams found their way into this series.

How do ice dams form?

  • As heat escapes from the living space into a leaky, underinsulated attic, it melts snow and ice on the roof.
  • Melted water drains along the roof, under the snow, and then refreezes when it reaches the roof’s cold overhang or gutter.
  • The resulting icicles are called ice dams because they trap melting water and keep it from draining off the roof.
  • Trapped water pushes up under shingles, where it can rot wood in your roof and attic or leak through your walls and ceilings.

How can you prevent ice dams?
Three key home performance elements work together to prevent ice dams by keeping your attic and roof cool:

  • Air sealing: Sealing pathways between the living space and the attic prevents heat from leaking directly into attic.
  • Insulation: Once air leaks are sealed, cellulose insulation slows the transfer of heat through the ceiling into the attic.
  • Ventilation: Any warm attic air needs to escape quickly, before it melts snow on the roof, and appropriate vents can help.

Will home performance eliminate all ice dams?
Sadly, no.  Solar gain or temperature fluctuations can warm your roof and create a cycle of melting, freezing, and ice build-up. Architectural elements like valleys and dormers can allow snow to accumulate, compress, and freeze. Fortunately, most ice dams can be eliminated on most homes.

Want to learn more? Schedule a FREE one-hour energy consult and learn how home performance can help you gain comfort, cut costs, and reduce ice dams dramatically. Don’t wait until they’re already a problem! Speak with the Experts at Evergreen today by calling 207-594-2244 or Contact Us

Ready to put a stop to damaging ice dams?

Don't wait until they're already a problem, speak with the experts at Evergreen Home Performance today! 207-594-2244

Great team!

George S.

Bath

The Evergreen crew from initial inception to installation were professional, on time, and left our place spotless. The end result was exceptional.

John Brown

Working with Evergreen was a dream! Professional, knowledgeable, and super clean work. Communication was fast and service impeccable. The bedroom floors in our 1960's split ranch will be warm with the new insulation between them and the garage. Bring on the snow! (not really, but sort of)

Jess Dee Proctor

The Evergreen crew who installed insulation in my attic were fantastic! They were very professional, worked exceedingly hard, and they did an excellent job. They were very pleasant and friendly to be around. They cleaned up beautifully after each work day, and left my home in great shape on when they walked out the door for the last time. I can't believe they were able to accomplish all that they did with heat soaring into the 80s and 90s. It was pretty unbearable up there! They have my highest praise and my gratitude.

Cynthia F.

South Portland

I had gotten estimates from several other companies, but Evergreen was in another league entirely with their professionalism. If you want the job done correctly, I couldn't recommend this company enough.

Rayna Mayo

Freeport

I highly recommend Evergreen! 1st, I had a home efficiency inspection (that was free) & Bryan P. was great! He took the time needed, asked & listened to what I thought were priorities, explained clearly what he thought were priorities & why, then gave me numerous options. No pressure whatsoever. Then I had my attic sealed & insulated as the 1st step & Bryan came along on day 1 to introduce everyone & make sure we were all on the same page. Bruce's team (inc. Kelsey & Roland) did the work - they were exceptional!!

Melissa M.

Kennebunk

I was extremely pleased with the professionalism and quality of service that I received from the Evergreen team. I met Richard to discuss options for insulation. I knew immediately that I wanted to do business with them because he did not try to over-sell extra services that I did not need. Dave was the project manager. He was not only kind, but very respectful of my home. I would highly recommend this company.

Darlyann M

Bath

We had Evergreen Home Performance of Rockland come in to make our home more energy efficient, and what a TOP notch crew. Brian and his crew did an amazing job from start to finish. Very knowledgeable and professional. We would Definitely highly recommend this crew to anyone who is looking for energy efficiency in their home with a company that truly is an expert and knows how to do a quality job and truly cares about their customer.

Melissa S.

Owls Head

I made the mistake of NOT hiring this company last year when I bought and renovated my home. I have brought them in now and what a difference. This group knows what they are doing. They take a complete look at everything and believe they can make your home more energy efficient. They are very professional in the way they approach problems and solutions. And they find ways to save me money. Don't bother with anyone else. Bring Evergreen in before you do anything. Let them assess your issues and give you the right solutions.

Shaw

Owls Head

We just finished a large project air sealing and reinsulating our 1890s basement and attic. It had been completely renovated 8 years ago, but still felt cold, and lacked proper energy assessment and corrections. We met with Justin in December and were very impressed with his knowledge, professionalism and communication skills and knew Evergreen was who we wanted to work with. Dave was our on hands project manager and was excellent. The office staff has been quick to respond and helpful as well when needed.

E Gallant

Kennebunk

My husband and I bought a home on the water in Owls Head and decided to make the investment in Evergreen's recommendations for insulation. Brian Robinson spent 3 hours examining every nook and cranny before he made practical suggestions and explained them thoroughly to us.

Marie McNeely

Owls Head

In the final stages of selling our home, and with a closing date set, an inspection came across an unanticipated issue in our attic. We quickly called in contractors, but nobody was able to identify the source of the problem. Then we thought of Evergreen. Brian Robinson was on site the next morning and immediately identified the source (a faulty roofing job completed three years earlier which had effectively sealed up portions of the ridge vent and restricted air flow - not easily visible with a quick inspection).

Robin McIntosh

Camden

The folks at Evergreen did a great job fixing a rather major insulation problem in my house, which they helped identify with a great audit. When the work began, they were thorough, upbeat, and -- dare I say it -- efficient. I strongly recommend them.

Michael Williams

Evergreen was so helpful in securing us Efficiency Maine funding for a big attic insulation project early this winter. They did all of the paperwork, and totally guided us through a vermiculite removal process that included a payment from a trust for the procedure. I could instantly feel the second floor being so much warmer than before. The boiler does not kick on nearly as frequently since they completed the job. It was worth every penny! Brian Robinson was so thorough throughout the whole process including a full walk through after the job had been completed.

Todd W.

Camden

Evergreen came out 2 years ago to do an assessment and insulate our roof. This year we had them come back and do the basement as well. They are hands-down the best crew we've ever hired to work on our house. They are experts at what they do, and super meticulous in their work. After working in our house for a week with blown insulation, there was no trace they were ever here. We've seen a huge decrease in our energy bills while at the same time the house has become way more comfortable. Can't recommend them enough.

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