If you’ve started seeing ice forming where you haven’t noticed it building up before, you aren’t alone. The past few years in Wisconsin we’ve seen some unique freeze/thaw and rain/snow seasonal overlaps causing many people to see ice damming at roof edges, eaves and even into gutters.
One great way to combat that ice and protect your home from damage due to ice damming is to install Helmet Heat®.
What Causes Ice Dams?
Gutters are not the cause of icicles. Icicles are typically the symptom of heat escaping from the home, then the melted water freezes when it reaches the edge of the roof line where heat leakage dissipates and water freezes to ice. This generally forms off the edge of the shingles and down into the gutters. Ice then builds and forms a dam that prevents the gutters from flowing normally, leading to a drainage backup and potential damage to your home. Another scenario is when the sun hits a certain roof exposure causing rapid melting followed by freezing condition before it can exit normally through the gutter system. Obviously, if your gutters are not protected and are clogged with leaves and debris, this will exacerbate the issue.
Ice Dam Solution
There are a few things to consider for avoiding ice. In some circumstances you may need to look at a combination of solutions.
- Keeping your gutters clear of debris is a great first step. Clogged gutters will hold water causing ice to form very quickly. Having a gutter protection system such as Gutter Helmet® will keep your gutters and downspouts free from debris.
- Installing a heat cable system like Helmet Heat® will greatly reduce ice formation, providing protection to your home.
- Have an insulation inspection for proper attic ventilation and insulation. Since heat loss from your home rises into the attic, making sure your attic is correctly sealed from heat loss can reduce ice because your attic and roof will be the same temperature as the air outside.
Why Choose Helmet Heat®
There are lots of choices when it comes to heated gutter systems. The Helmet Heat® de-icing system from Gutter Helmet® is the most effective solution for removing snow, stopping ice dams and icicles from forming. Helmet Heat® can be installed on homes with Gutter Helmet® already in place or in open gutters. We have a few installation options ranging from connecting to an outside electrical outlet to installing on a dedicated electrical circuit with a dedicated switch. We can install Helmet Heat® year-round in Wisconsin.
Contact us today to schedule a free in-home consultation to discuss how Helmet Heat® may be a solution for your ice buildup issues.
ABOUT US
Wrightway is the Gutter Helmet installer and dealer in Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, Madison and Milwaukee. We have an expansive service area and we are experts in replacing siding, windows, and gutters and installing gutter guards. Add Gutter Helmet to your home today and free up some of your time for more important (and safer) things than cleaning gutters. Find out more at www.WrightwayBuilt.com.
