Are ice dams on your Calgary roof causing leaks this winter? Learn what causes them, how attic insulation prevents ice dams, and get a free inspection from local experts.
What Causes Ice Dams on Calgary Roofs? (And Why It’s Not Just the Snow)
An ice dam forms when snow on the upper, warmer part of your roof melts. The water runs down to the colder eaves (overhangs) and refreezes, creating a dam of ice. As more melting snow builds up behind it, the water can seep under your shingles and into your home.
The root cause isn’t the snow—it’s an uneven roof temperature caused by a warm attic. This “warm attic” scenario in Calgary winters is almost always due to one of three insulation problems:
- Insufficient Attic Insulation: Heat from your living space escapes into the attic.
- Poor Air Sealing: Warm air leaks around light fixtures, vents, or the attic hatch.
- Inadequate Attic Ventilation: Trapped warm air has no way to escape, turning your attic into an oven.
The Critical Role of Attic Insulation in Preventing Ice Dams
The most permanent and cost-effective solution is not chipping away at ice each winter. It’s fixing the thermal boundary of your home.
- Proper Insulation (R-Value): Calgary homes should aim for R-50 to R-60 in the attic. This thick, consistent layer of blown-in or batt insulation keeps household heat in your living space, not in the attic.
- Air Sealing: Before adding more insulation, critical gaps must be sealed. This stops the convection of warm air that directly melts snow.
- Balanced Ventilation: Combined with proper insulation, adequate soffit and ridge venting allows cold air to flow through the attic, keeping the roof deck uniformly cold.
Pro Tip from a Calgary Insulation Expert: “If you can see your attic floor joists because the insulation is level with or below them, you don’t have enough. That heat loss is an open invitation for ice dams.” – NorthernShield Insulation Team
Immediate Steps vs. Long-Term Solutions
| If You Have Ice Dams Now… | The Permanent Fix… |
|---|---|
| Safely remove snow from the lower 3-4 feet of your roof using a roof rake. | Schedule a professional attic assessment to measure current insulation levels (R-value) and identify air leaks. |
| Use calcium chloride ice melt (not rock salt) in a pantyhose leg placed vertically across the dam to create a drainage channel. | Air seal all penetrations (wires, pipes, vents, light fixtures) from the living space into the attic. |
| Never chip or hack at the ice, as this can severely damage your shingles and roof structure. | Top-up or replace attic insulation to the recommended R-60 standard for Calgary using blown-in cellulose or fiberglass for complete coverage. |
How NorthernShield Insulation Solves Ice Dam Problems for Calgary Homes
At NorthernShield Insulation Inc., our process is tailored to Alberta’s climate:
- Free Thermal Assessment: We use visual inspections and sometimes thermal imaging to pinpoint exactly where heat is escaping into your attic.
- Customized Quote: We provide a clear plan detailing the work needed for air sealing and insulation to bring your home up to code.
- Professional Installation: Our certified crews perform precise air sealing and install high-performance blown-in insulation to achieve uniform, gap-free coverage.
- Rebate Guidance: We help you understand and apply for applicable federal and local energy efficiency rebates to offset the cost.
Conclusion: Protect Your Calgary Home This Winter
Don’t wait for the next thaw to reveal a leak. Ice dams are a clear warning sign from your home. Addressing the underlying insulation issue protects your roof, your interior, and your wallet.
Ready for a Warmer, Safer Attic?
Schedule a Free, No-Obligation Attic Assessment with NorthernShield Insulation. Our local Calgary experts will identify your home’s specific weak points and provide a clear path to an ice-dam-free winter.
+1 403-975-4923
contact@nsinsulation.ca
https://nsinsulation.ca