It is a common experience for customers in northern climates to experience ice dams and severe icicle formation after installing gutter guards or gutter screens.
Ice dam on gutter guards.
A gutter guard will not cause ice dams to develop.
No gutter whether protected by a gutter guard or not is immune to icicles forming or conditions existing related to ice dams.
But if the combination of poor attic insulation poor ventilation and heavy snow causes an ice dam as so often happens you may rue the day you gave your gutters a hat.
It s not uncommon to notice or really pay attention to ice dams or icicles until after you ve gone through the expense of installing your mastershield gutter guard system.
Easyon gutter guard view on amazon by using durable surgery grade steel the manufacturer provides a fine mesh.
You can also secure a heating element near your gutter guard for the coldest times of the year.
With the proper gutter protection system installed in conjunction with the ice dam solution the need to climb ladders and invest in costly repairs can be eliminated.
Adding ice dam solution to your gutter protection system will prevent the ice build up allowing water to flow freely down to your gutter system for proper drainage.
Raptor gutter guard view on amazon raptor s use of professional grade steel in construction helps to ensure that this.
A cubic foot of ice weights roughly 60 pounds and when enough builds up on your gutter guards they may collapse into the gutter system.
Gutters don t work quite the same in the winter.
Icicles and ice dams are more a function of roof insulation and ventilation.
When this happens they fallen gutter protection actually cause a blockage which can lead to ice dams and expensive damage to your home.
Gutter guard ice dams people get really really angry when the gutter guard they install suddenly creates icicles when they never had them before.
This allows the thick heavy ridges of ice along your roof s eaves to form.
Not only do they work well but they eliminate constant damage from ice and snow.
Choosing gutter guards for cold climates.
Leaf guards that sit in the gutter or don t pitch with the roof are more likely to create a shelf for ice buildup to occur.
They don t as i ve written.
The first response by worried homeowners is to call the gutter guard installation company and ask why this is happening.
The common reason given is lack of insulation and ventilation.
There is no way for the homeowner to know if icicles will be small or quite large too many variables are at play every time it snows.
They are higher in cost than conventional gutter covers but are the first choice in areas where ice and snow are a way of life.
A guard prevents the ice and water from sticking around the area thus preventing an ice dam from developing.
It s not that gutters and or gutter guards cause ice dams.
Heated gutters guards are the best choice as they melt any ice or snow immediately and never allow the ice dam to form.
