Do Snow Guards Cause Ice Dams? Breaking Down Myths
A few different types of snow or ice buildups can be problematic for structures and their roofs in colder locations during the winter, and a top example in many locations here is the ice dam. A potential question from people who use snow guards as part of their snow protection approach: Do snow guards cause ice dams?
At Supply Maverick, a division of Mid Michigan Metal Sales, we’re proud to offer an extensive range of metal roof snow guards, foam closure strips, roofing screws and other products to help protect your metal roof and underlying property. Here’s a simple answer to the above question, plus a breakdown of some of the myths that have sprung up in this area surrounding snow guards and ice dam formation.
What Are Ice Dams?
Before we dive into any potential connections between snow guards and ice dams, let’s define what these dams are in the first place. In essence, an ice dam is a build-up of melting snow that becomes frozen at your roof’s edge. These can become thick and heavy over time, leading to several potential issues with your metal roof:
- Damage: First and foremost, ice dams can cause damage to the roof itself if not addressed quickly enough. As they form and grow, they put significant weight on certain areas of the roof, which can lead to dents, punctures or even worse.
- Water leakage: As ice dams block the natural flow of melting snow, they can cause water to pool and potentially leak into your property. This can lead to costly repairs and potential damage to your belongings.
- Gutters: In some cases, ice dams can also damage or even pull down gutters that are attached to the roof.
No, Snow Guards Don’t Cause Ice Dams
The simple answer to the question is no, snow guards do not cause ice dams. In fact, they can actually help prevent them from forming in the first place. Snow guards work by evenly distributing the weight of accumulated snow on a roof, preventing large chunks of snow or ice from sliding off and potentially causing damage to people or property below.
This even distribution also allows for more controlled melting and runoff, reducing the risk of sudden water flow that can contribute to ice dam formation.
Debunking Myths
Despite evidence pointing to the contrary, there are still a few myths floating around that suggest snow guards cause ice dams. Let’s take a look at some of these myths and why they’re not true.
- Snow guards create a barrier that traps snow and causes it to melt faster – This is simply not true. Snow guards do not trap snow, they are designed to hold it in place until it can safely melt or be removed.
- Snow guards prevent proper drainage and contribute to ice dam formation – As mentioned earlier, snow guards actually promote controlled melting and runoff, reducing the risk of sudden water flow that can cause ice dams.
- Installing snow guards will increase the likelihood of an ice dam forming – Some believe that installing any additional attachments on a roof can disrupt its integrity and lead to more issues like ice dams. However, when installed properly, snow guards are designed to work with the roof’s structure and will not cause any additional damage or issues.
What Actually Causes Ice Dams
Don’t worry, we aren’t going to leave you out in the cold here (literally and figuratively!). Here are some of the main contributing factors to ice dam formation:
- Heat loss from the interior of the home – This is a major factor in ice dam formation. When heat escapes through the roof, it can cause snow on top to melt and then refreeze at the roof’s edge, creating an ice dam.
- Inadequate insulation and ventilation – These two factors go hand in hand with heat loss. Inadequate insulation allows for more heat to escape, while inadequate ventilation can trap warm air in the attic space.
- Warm weather followed by sudden cold snaps – A rapid change in temperature can contribute to ice dams forming as snow melts quickly and then freezes again when temperatures drop suddenly.
In some cases, a combination of these factors can work together to create the perfect conditions for ice dams. However, rest assured that snow guards are not one of these contributing factors.
Solutions to Combine With Snow Guards
Now, if you live in an especially snowy and cold area, it’s possible for ice dams to still exist despite the presence of snow guards. This is because in these cases, snow buildups can take place below the lowest snow guard point, in such significant quantities that ice dams form despite the small space available.
Luckily, there are some additional solutions you can combine with snow guards to further reduce the risk of ice dams. These include:
- Roof heating cables: These are installed on your roof and can melt away snow and ice before they have a chance to form into damaging ice dams.
- Proper insulation: Proper attic insulation and ventilation can prevent heat from escaping and melting snow in the first place, which stops both ice buildup and any potential water leakage.
- Professional ice dam remediation: If you do experience an ice dam despite using snow guards and other prevention methods, it’s important to address the issue right away. Call in a professional for safe and effective removal.
Importance of Proper Snow Guard Selection and Installation
One possible exception to our claim that snow guards do not cause ice dams is when they are installed incorrectly or when the wrong type of snow guard is used. In these cases, it’s not necessarily the snow guard itself that is causing the issue, but rather its improper installation or unsuitable design for the specific roof and climate conditions. This highlights the importance of selecting and installing snow guards correctly to ensure their proper functioning and effectiveness in preventing ice dams.
Be sure to consult with a professional or do thorough research before selecting and installing snow guards on your metal roof. And if you have any questions or concerns, our team at Supply Maverick is always happy to help guide you in the right direction.
In conclusion, snow guards do not cause ice dams – they can actually help prevent them. With proper selection and installation, these small but mighty devices are an essential part of protecting your metal roof and property during winter weather. Don’t let myths and misconceptions steer you away from utilizing this important tool in your snow protection strategy.
At Supply Maverick, we are committed to providing high-quality snow guards and other roofing products to help you safeguard your property. Visit our website today to explore our selection and feel free to reach out with any questions or inquiries.
