Patternfor Ice Dams On A Metal Roof

Ice dams can be frustrating.

Patternfor ice dams on a metal roof.

The snow melts into water and t. If an ice dam does form an ice belt will reduce the penetration of standing water. Metal roofing does not eliminate ice dams. An ice belt a band of metal roofing installed at the eaves helps prevent the formation of ices dams by placing a low friction surface where ice dams are likely to form.

Ice belt metal panels many roofs are made of shingles which work well to remove water until it starts to travel upward. A metal roof will generally shed snow better but snow running down the roof will still freeze on the unheated overhangs creating an ice dam. An ice dam forms when the roof over the attic gets warm enough to melt the bottom layer of snow. Another option to consider is a metal roof.

Yes the reflectivity and slickness of a metal roof will encourage ice and snow to slide but ice damming is generally caused by hot spots over the heated areas of the home. Its smooth surface can help and the way that the panels interlock can reduce damage from ice dams but there is nothing magical about metal that eliminates ice dams. Heat rising from the home s interior melts the snow which then runs down the roof freezing on the home s unheated roof overhangs creating damaging ice dams. Metal roofing can help but is not an ice dam panacea.

To take a more pro active approach in preventing ice dams you can install ice belt metal panels which are installed along the eaves to block water.