Preventing the Freeze: A Homeowner’s Guide to Ice Dams

We all know, winter in Alaska brings a specific kind of beauty, but for homeowners, it also brings a specific kind of headache: ice dams. While they might look like charming holiday decorations, those thick ridges of ice building up along your eaves are a sign of trouble.

At AKTrimlight / Hurt’s Handyman, we want to make sure your home stays dry and your gutters stay functional all season long. Here is everything you need to know about ice dams and how to protect your property.

An “ice dam” is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.

It’s a game of temperatures. Ice dams are usually caused by a combination of heavy snowfall and improper roof temperatures.

1.  Heat Loss: Heat escapes from your living space into the attic, warming the roof sheathing.

2.  Melting: This heat melts the snow on the upper parts of the roof.

3.  Freezing: As the water flows down to the overhanging eaves (which are colder because they aren't above the heated attic), it freezes.

4.  The Dam: This cycle repeats until a "dam" of ice blocks any further drainage.

The ice itself is heavy and can rip gutters right off the fascia. However, the water is the real villain. When snowmelt hits that ice barrier, it has nowhere to go but up—under your shingles. This leads to:

• Stained ceilings and peeling paint.
• Soggy, ineffective attic insulation.
• Mold and mildew growth in your wall cavities.
• Structural rotting over time.

If you already see "ice jams" forming, don't climb a ladder in freezing conditions.

• Roof Rakes: Use a long-handled roof rake to carefully remove snow from the lower 3–4 feet of your roof. No snow means no fuel for the ice dam.

• Calcium Chloride: Never use rock salt! It will damage your shingles. If necessary, use specialized ice-melt socks filled with calcium chloride to create a channel through the ice.

• Professional Removal: For heavy buildup, call in a pro. We use specialized techniques to clear the blockage without hacking away at your shingles with an ax.

To stop ice dams from returning next year, you need to address the root cause: Attic Temperature.

• Insulation: Ensure your attic floor is heavily insulated to keep the heat in your house, not on your roof.

• Ventilation: Proper ridge and soffit vents circulate cold outdoor air through the attic, keeping the roof temperature uniform.



• Seal Leaks: Check for "bypass" leaks where warm air escapes around chimneys, light fixtures, or attic hatches.

Don't wait for a drip in your living room to take action. Whether you need help with snow removal, gutter repair after a heavy freeze, or long-term attic sealing, AKTrimlight / Hurt’s Handyman has the tools and the expertise to keep your home protected.

Stay warm, stay dry, and let us handle the heavy lifting this winter. If you need help with your ice jam issues give me a call, 1-907-748-2655 Nathanial Hurt