Spray Foam and Ice Dams
The short answer is yes, spray foam does help prevent ice dams. But there are other factors that still play a role and require proper attic ventilation, adequate air sealing and sound building design principles.
NextGen Spray Foam Insulation dams are a huge problem for many homeowners each winter, forming on sloped roofs and preventing melting snow/water from draining off the roof. This water backs up under the shingles and into the home, damaging walls, ceilings, insulation and more.
The main cause of ice dams is uneven temperatures on the roof deck, which can occur when hot air from living spaces escapes into the attic and heats the underside of the roof sheathing. This causes the snow to melt and run down to the colder eaves where it refreezes. The result is an ice dam that blocks the flow of water down the roof and into the gutters, creating a path for leaks into the home.
Spray Foam and Ice Dams: Prevention and Solutions
Spray foam and Insulation
Spray foam insulation is a great solution for this issue because it creates an unvented attic space and establishes the building envelope of the house directly on the roof area, where it is needed to regulate heat loss. This also helps to keep the roof sheathing at a consistent temperature and prevents warm air from transferring to lower portions of the roof surface and melting the snow. This along with ensuring adequate air seals, proper attic venting and an appropriately sized attic can drastically reduce the formation of ice dams.
NextGen Spray Foam Insulation
Kila, MT 59920
(406) 871-3729