Ice Dams: What You Need to Know

Ice dams can cause serious problems for Michigan homeowners—damaging your roof, creating leaks, and leading to costly repairs.

Identifying the root cause.

At VerWys Home Insulation, we specialize in identifying and improving the root causes of ice dam formation—most often, poor insulation, air leaks, and inadequate attic ventilation. By addressing these areas, we significantly reduce the conditions that lead to ice dams and water intrusion.

However, we want to be transparent: due to the unpredictable nature of Michigan winters, we cannot guarantee that ice dams will never occur.

Even with proper insulation and ventilation, factors such as:
- Sudden temperature swings
- Heavy snow accumulation
- Roof design and sun exposure
- Freeze-thaw cycles
...can still lead to some degree of melting and refreezing along your eaves. These are natural conditions beyond any contractor’s control.

What we can promise is:
- A thorough inspection of your attic’s insulation and ventilation setup
- Honest advice and proven upgrades that give your home the best chance to prevent ice dam formation
- Support and education on additional prevention steps like roof raking, heating cables, or gutter care

Our mission is to help protect your home—not just in winter, but all year long.

Frequently asked questions

What are the warning signs of ice dams in my home?
Look for icicles along the roof edge, uneven snow melt, water stains on ceilings or walls, and dripping in cold weather—all signs of heat escaping into your attic.
Can attic insulation alone prevent ice dams?
Insulation is critical, but not enough on its own. Preventing ice dams requires a combination of proper insulation, air sealing, and attic ventilation.
Will removing the snow from my roof stop ice dams?
Temporarily, yes—but it doesn’t fix the root issue. Snow removal helps prevent buildup, but long-term prevention means addressing heat loss and ventilation problems.
How do I know if my attic is contributing to ice dams?
We can perform an attic inspection and energy analysis to identify heat leaks, poor ventilation, and other conditions that make your home more susceptible to ice dams.