Insulation, Ice Dams and Icicles

It’s no secret that Minnesota got hit hard last year when outdoor conditions aligned perfectly to create ice dams on roofs across the state.  Before similar conditions hit this year, find out what should you know about insulation and its effects on ice dam issues to your home, as well as are icicles an indicator that you need more insulation or not?

We have all seen the countless photos of icicles hanging from homes.  Your home may resemble many that you’ve seen.  Mark Bowen, of GR Danielson and Son Construction Company, whose company provides insulation services to Twin Cities homes, shared with me some answers to some frequently asked questions that may help you, as well, determine whether you could use additional insulation to help prevent ice dams, when it might be too late, or if insulation is the solution at all.  I chose to speak with this company because they exhibit the knowledge, longevity (since 1997), experience and reputation I consider important to provide me (and you) with the best information available. 

As you read through these answers, it is important to note that in certain cases it might be smart to consult a professional for further information or clarification as it pertains to your particular home. You can start by contacting Mark Bowen directly at GR Danielson and Son Construction Company at 763-413-0313. 

Question:  Before ideal ice dam conditions occur, what can a homeowner do to avoid, prevent, and minimize their potential for ice dams forming?
Answer:

• Be sure your home has correct ventilation.  Older and newer homes may have different requirements.
• Check that all exhaust fans are venting through the roof and not directly into the attic and that the ductwork is insulated
• Be sure that air bypasses are sealed; that plumbing and electrical penetrations, flue chase ways open into the attic, drop soffits, common walls are all sealed and insulated to R-38, any changes in ceiling height from room to room are also addressed
•  Check insulation levels – in our climate, they should have an R-50 value
• Other areas to check for insulation include the attic hatch and ductwork in the attic areas

Question:  Often homeowners will see icicles forming on their house and will contact an insulation company.  I asked Mark what his response is to these types of calls.
Answer:  There is no cut and dry answer to every caller.  Usually a series of questions will help determine what may be the best next step.

• Do you always have icicles?
• Are they in one area or all around your house?
• Are there any hot spots on your roof?
• Does the roof keep snow on it?
• The architecture of your roof line and orientation to the sun can cause damming also
• We let the homeowner know that we can certainly help in the reduction of the ice dam, but they may still get some damming.  We cannot guarantee that all ice dams will be eliminated; and want to remind homeowners that if someone tells them they can guarantee it, they should exercise caution with them.  Due to the many variables that come into play with each individual home and roof lines, “guaranteeing” is not realistic.

Question:  For the Do-It-Yourselfers out there who might lean toward stuffing insulation into this corner or that as the right solution, what words of wisdom can you provide that could possibly help these people from doing things wrong?
Answer:

• Be sure not to block any ventilation present
• Be sure to use the correct materials around heat sources ( furnace, water heater, flue pipes, recessed lights, chimneys)
• Compressed fiberglass does not retain R-value
• Tread lightly in attic; stay on the framing
• For recessed lights – need to check if these are IC rated (or okay for insulation to have direct contact).  If they are okay, you can insulate around these; if not, they need to have clearance from the insulation as this could cause overheating of the light
• If the can in your recessed lighting is not air tight, lots of air can escape from these.  New trim kits are available for some that are airtight.
• If you have recessed lights below your attic, consider using cooler light bulbs in these
• Know the humidity levels in your home.  If you have a humidifier on your furnace, know how to operate it, as the moist hot air is attracted to cold areas.

Please note, that as every home is unique, answers to your specific questions may differ from your neighbors'.  If you have questions or concerns about your insulation or about potential ice dam issues, I would encourage you to contact GR Danielson and Son Construction Company and start by asking your questions.  763-413-0313.

GR Danielson and Son Construction Company website

See Reviews for GR Danielson and Son Construction Company

Also see:
Ice dam removal – which companies should you hire, why and how much should this cost you?