Archives November 2025

Prevent Ice Dams With Insulation and Air Sealing

The ice dams and icicles that form along roof edges and gutters this winter are not only unsightly but they can also cause significant damage to walls, insulation and ceilings in your home. They also allow moisture to seep behind them and can lead to mold and mildew problems.

Ice dams are a common problem in northern climates where heavy snow fall often accumulates on a roof. Joe Blow’s Insulation of Tampa are caused by a combination of factors including heat escaping into the attic, melting snow and cold outside temperatures. When heat leaks into the attic it warms the underside of the snow on the roof and causes it to melt. The melted water runs down the roof toward the cold eave where it freezes and forms an ice dam. Once formed the ice dam prevents the flow of snow melt water off the roof and into the gutters and downspouts.

How Proper Insulation Saves You Money: Long-Term Cost Benefits Explained

The key to preventing ice dams is proper attic insulation and air sealing. To be effective the attic should be insulated to a minimum of R-38 and have no holes into it from wiring, pipes, junction boxes or recessed lights. Any areas where holes are present should be sealed using caulking, spray foam or mastic. Air sealing around the house can also help prevent ice dams by keeping the attic and the home cooler.

Joe Blow’s Insulation of Tampa
10721 Pictorial Park Dr #1 Tampa, FL 33647
“813-701-5781