Do Gutter Guards Cause Ice Dams?

Gutter guards, as the name suggests, are a protective barrier for gutters. They protect the gutters from leaves, debris, and much more.

After exploring gutter guard performance reviews, including those for ShurFlo gutter guards, you can be confident that these products offer effective protection for your gutters against various elements.

But what if it also has side effects? There are a few side effects of gutter guards. One of them is an ice dam. If you are wondering what ice dams are and how gutter guards cause them, then do not worry.

This article will teach you about how gutter guards cause ice dams.

What is Ice Damming on Roofs?

Ice damming on roofs is a phenomenon that occurs when the melting snow accumulates on the roof and then freezes again. If this water cannot escape from the roof and the phenomenon continues, it can be severe, and if not treated, it can cause damage to the roofs and ceilings. Ice dams also prevent water from escaping the roof. If you see any water or ice on the roof or siding of your house, then this indicates that you should check your roof for ice dams. You should take care and treat the ice dams as soon as possible.

There are several reasons behind ice damming, like accumulation of snow, poor insulation or ventilation, gaps in insulation, etc. One common reason is gutter guards. In many cases, roofs collapse because of faulty gutter guards or if they are not properly cleaned. Even if the gutter guards are made of lightweight material, they might not be able to withstand the weight of ice and will even fall into the gutter, causing clogging and choking, increasing the problem even more.

Gutter guards don’t need to be the primary reason for ice damming. They can be secondary reasons that somehow lead to ice damming. For example, if your gutters are poorly designed, they can contribute to ice dams. It is therefore important to select a proper design that fits well with your house and the climatic conditions so you do not have to worry later on.

You should also clean your gutters regularly so there is no clogging and the water can flow without accumulating and converting into ice.

How Dangerous are Ice Dams?

The ice dams are a threat to both people and property. A few ways in which these dams can harm you are given below:

Roof damage: Roof damage is the most common side effect of ice dams. If the roof cannot handle the weight of the ice, it will collapse, causing damage.
Leakage in roofs and walls: Ice dams can cause water to penetrate through the walls or roofs, leading to leakage.
Accidents: The ice from roofs can also fall to the ground. This can cause injuries to humans or animals.
Gutter damages: If ice dams are formed in the gutter, it can cause side effects like clogging, wear and tear, icicle formation, etc.

How to Prevent Ice Dams

As we know, an ice dam is dangerous for structures, especially the roofs, so we should minimize it. Moreover, removing the ice dam is difficult and takes a lot of time. It is a mandatory step to find ways to avoid or minimize ice dams. A few ways to prevent ice dams are given below:

Use superior quality guards: Going for high-quality gutter guards like reverse-cutting guards and micro-screen aluminum gutter guards is an option to avoid problems like ice damming during the rainy and winter seasons. There are gutter guards specifically designed to prevent ice damming, so if you live in an area that experiences a lot of rainfall or snowfall, you should go for those guards.
Regular maintenance of gutter guards: Irregular maintenance of gutters and gutter guards is another reason that can cause ice damming. So clean your gutters at least twice a year to avoid such problems. It is best to clean the gutter guards during the spring and fall seasons. Even if you live in an area that experiences snowfall, do not forget to check your gutter guard during the snowfall season. This will prove beneficial to you.
Install helmet heats: You should consider installing helmet heaters in your gutter. Their working mechanism prevents the formation of ice in the gutter. They help to avoid ice damming in the winter. These advanced mechanisms are also energy efficient and work automatically, so you do not have to worry about activating or deactivating them for your gutters.
Go for attic insulation: Since poor insulation also contributes significantly to forming ice dams, you should ensure your attic is properly insulated. Insulating the attic properly prevents excess water from going to the gutters and forming dams there. This ensures that the gutters do not wear or tear due to ice.

Conclusion

Ice damming is a serious condition that can be caused by gutter guards as well. If the gutter guards are inefficient or not designed properly to tackle the ice, then this condition prevails.

To avoid this, make sure that you install gutter guards that meet local guidelines and regulations. Do not forget to keep a check on the gutters regularly. In addition, make sure that you also take care of other factors like proper insulation, ventilation, etc., so that you enjoy a hassle-free winter without the tension of ice dams.