How Ice Dams Form and What They Can Do to Your Roof

Ice dams are one of the most common winter roofing issues in Wisconsin. They don’t just look bad – they can cause real damage to shingles, gutters, insulation, and even your interior ceilings. Understanding how they form makes it easier to prevent them.

How ice dams start – Ice dams usually form when the upper part of the roof is warmer than the edge. Snow melts on the warmer area, runs down toward the eaves, and refreezes where the roof is colder. Over time, that refrozen layer builds up into a “dam” that blocks proper drainage.

Why they cause leaks – Once an ice dam forms, melting snow has nowhere to go. Water can back up behind the dam and work under shingles. That moisture can seep into your attic, soak insulation, stain ceilings, and create the kind of repair that turns into a much bigger project.

Damage you might not notice right away – Ice dams can loosen shingles, pull on gutters, and create repeated freeze/thaw stress along the roof edge. Even if you don’t see a leak immediately, the roof system can take a beating that shows up later as premature wear.

How to reduce the risk – Good attic insulation and proper ventilation help keep roof temperatures more consistent. Clean gutters also help water move away from the roofline when conditions allow. In some cases, a roofing professional may recommend additional solutions based on your roof design and the way your home holds heat.

If you’ve dealt with ice dams before, it’s worth addressing the root cause, not just the ice itself. A roof check can help you understand what’s happening and what changes will protect your home during future winters.

Here at Vr Roofing we will use our roofing knowledge and professional crew to help you get the best service possible. Contact Van De Hey Refined Roofing to learn about the best roofing options to fit your needs. We proudly serve the Appleton, Little Chute and the Fox Valley area, Sheboygan, Oshkosh, Madison, Milwaukee, Shorewood, Sheboygan, Oconomowoc, Verona, Waukesha, and Green Bay and De Pere areas in Wisconsin with all copper accents and copper roofing.