Ok, enough puns. There is nothing funny about ice dams and frozen pipes. But given that “Old Man Winter” has returned after a 2-year hiatus, we thought you needed a smile and a reminder. For winter outdoor enthusiasts, like skaters, ice fishermen and snowmobilers, the return of snow and ice is a welcome event. But for some homeowners, this weather is a warning to look out for ice dams and frozen pipes, which can wreak havoc in the form of water damage inside homes. Both can cause serious and expensive damage if you’re not prepared. The good news is that with some planning and preventative steps, you can greatly reduce the chances of water intrusion.
Restoration companies like Lindstrom Restoration come to expect these problems this time of year, and despite the last two mild winters we haven’t forgotten what they can do to homes and businesses. You can be assured we are ready for whatever weather comes our way in January and beyond. Early heavy snow, like we have received, is a recipe for ice dam formation. Also, in the early winter we are most susceptible to subzero weather which can cause pipes to freeze. On average, the third week of winter is the coldest in Minnesota, but we’ve already had several subzero nights and will most likely continue to have them throughout the winter and early spring.
Yes, we got off easy the last couple of winters, but we’ve all been through this before and can handle whatever Mother Nature brings our way. Here is a primer that can help you better prepare.
What Are Ice Dams and Frozen Pipes?
Ice dams form when snow on a roof melts and refreezes at the edges of roofs. This creates an ice barrier that traps water, which can then seep under shingles and into your home. The root cause problem is heat escape. If that outer area stays cold melting won’t occur. We want warmth to stay inside our structures and to do that we need plenty of insulation and cold air movement between the ceiling and the outer roof.
Frozen pipes happen when water inside pipes freeze due to low temperatures. As water freezes, it expands, which can cause pipes to crack or burst, leading to flooding when they thaw. Typically, when warmer weather returns, that’s when the pipes burst and water starts running.
Understanding how these problems happen is the first step toward preventing them.
How to Prevent Ice Dams
1. Improve Attic Insulation and Improve Ventilation
A well-insulated attic helps keep heat inside your home instead of escaping through the roof. When heat escapes, it melts snow unevenly, which leads to ice dams. Make sure insulation is evenly distributed and in good condition. Good attic ventilation keeps the roof temperature consistent. This helps prevent the freeze–thaw cycle that causes ice dams to form.
2. Seal Air Leaks
Warm air can escape through gaps around attic hatches, light fixtures, and vents. Sealing these leaks with caulk or weatherstripping helps keep your roof cold and reduces snowmelt.
3. Keep Gutters and Roof Clear of Snow
It’s too late now but next year, before winter, clean out gutters and downspouts so melting snow can drain properly. If it’s safe to do so, remove excess snow from the roof using a roof rake after heavy snowfalls. Beware, raking roofs can be an arduous task and put those with health issues at risk. Another method for removing snow is the Avalanche system https://avalanche-snow.ca/ This snow removal system can extend way up the roof and the user doesn’t have to pull it off. Large blocks of snow come down like they are on a conveyor belt. You just need to get out of the way! Need help getting rid of the snow and heavy ice on a roof? Lindstrom Restoration can assist. We have access to contractors who will safely remove the ice using a steam process. Ice and snow should be removed carefully to avoid ruining shingles. Be forewarned that ice and snow removal is dangerous work, and therefore expensive.
If you decide not to address the root cause of heat escape problem, you can install heat cables on the roof. This is a band aid solution, but it will help to keep ice from freezing and provide channels from which the melting water can escape. A less effective solution is to throw roof melt pellets (“salt pucks”) up there to help melt the ice. They are available online and at some hardware and home improvement stores. It’s not aesthetically appealing, but some people have even taken panty hose and filled them full of salt. They then place the stockings on the ice dams. Some claim it is effective, but then you should be aware that the salt water can adversely impact any vegetation below when it drips down.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
1. Insulate Pipes
Pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls are at most risk. Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape approved for plumbing to protect them.
2. Seal Cracks and Openings
Cold air can enter through small gaps around doors, windows, and where pipes enter your home. Sealing these openings helps keep pipes warmer.
3. Keep a Steady Indoor Temperature
Even if you’re away, keep your home heated to at least a consistent, moderate temperature. Lindstrom recommends you set your thermostat at 55 or above. This reduces the risk of pipes freezing overnight or during cold snaps. Unfortunately, some people turn their heat off when they leave to save money, which usually results in disaster.
4. Keep Cupboard and Room Doors Open to Allow Warm Airflow
Areas that are cut off by warmer temperatures and air flow are more subject to freeze, especially if a cupboard has an outside wall. Tiny cracks can allow freezing air into a point where an inside pipe may freeze. Simply leave all room and cupboard doors open when leaving for extended periods.
5. Let Faucets Drip in Extreme Cold
Allowing a small drip of water from faucets connected to vulnerable pipes can help prevent freezing by keeping water moving.
6. Know Where Your Shutoff Valve Is/Shut Water Off When You Leave for Extended Periods
In case a pipe does freeze or burst, knowing how to quickly shut off your home’s water supply can minimize damage. When you leave for any extended length of time, shut off your main water valve and open up the fixtures to allow any remaining water to drain.
7. Have Someone Check Your House When You Are Away
If you are away from home for an extended period, make sure someone checks the house regularly to make sure the heat is properly working, or if there is anything amiss. Do not turn your heat off if you are away for an extended period as this is sure to cause frozen pipes.
8. Monitor Your Home Temperature When Away
Today’s technology allows you to monitor your home temperature with your smartphone while away. It will allow you to adjust your home temperature and humidity levels. The absolute minimum temperature you should set your home at is 55 degrees Fahrenheit, with 60 degrees being the preferred lowest temperature.
What to Do If Problems Start
If you notice ice buildup on your roof, avoid chipping it off with sharp tools or a pick, as this can damage shingles. Instead, focus on improving drainage and reducing heat loss. Is water getting in with resulting damage? Contact your insurance agent to discuss options. Some ice dam losses amount to minor interior repair. With today’s higher deductibles, homeowners will want to discuss whether to file a claim with their agents. In Lindstrom Restoration’s experience, insurance coverage differs with varying carrier policies. We have seen some insurers pay for the removal of ice and snow at the point where water is entering. Others will not pay for that service. No insurer that we know of will pay for the entire snow and ice removal from a roof as that is viewed as maintenance. Consult your agent to understand what your policy covers and what it will pay for.
Lindstrom recommends that if you have had water loss inside the home it is highly advisable to remove the snow and ice unless you want more water intrusion. Also, we recommend that you do not do the inside or outside repairs until ice and snow season is over. Once warm weather arrives it is advisable to seek a root cause remedy for the escaping heat to avoid future reoccurrences. Then again, we have seen people have a problem one year and not have another for several seasons. Snowfall can vary in terms of drifting and weather conditions change annually. Some winters we get warm spells that can melt the snow and ice. In other years the temperatures do not spike and the ice melting and refreezing create larger ice dams.
If a pipe freezes, do not use open flames to thaw it. The late Miracle of Ice Coach Herb Brooks, of USA Hockey fame, once attempted to use an acetylene torch on a frozen pipe in his attic and not only did he start his house on fire, but ended up with 3rd degree burns. Use safer options like warm air from a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels, and call a professional if you’re unsure. If you suspect a pipe will burst at any time, make sure you turn off the main water valve in the house to prevent water from flowing.
An Ounce of Prevention….
The old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” holds true here. Preparing for ice dams and frozen pipes is all about taking prior steps to decrease risk. By insulating, sealing, and maintaining your home before winter arrives, you can avoid costly repairs and stressful emergencies. Some timely maintenance now can keep your home safe, dry, and comfortable all winter long.
Winter can be a beautiful and peaceful time of year in Minnesota, but ice dams and frozen pipes can upset our lives and cause a lot of costly disruption. If water damage does happen this winter, Lindstrom Restoration is always ready to respond 24/7/365. Fast mitigation for water damage is critical to avoid mold. Call 763-544-8761 and we’ll dispatch our professional technicians to your home in just minutes.
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