Roof Repair - Preventing Ice Damming

Ice dams are one of those "winter problems". In this video, Larry Janesky, owner and founder of Dr. Energy Saver, breaks down why ice damming happens, what those icicles along your roof edge are really telling you, and how the damage can spread fast, from shingles to attic to walls.

What you’ll learn:

What ice dams are and why they form after snowstorms

How warm roof shingles melt snow, and cold temps refreeze water at the roof edge into an ice barrier

Why trapped meltwater often backs up under shingles and can leak into your:

attic

wall cavities

ceilings and interior finishes

The most common root cause: heat escaping into the attic due to poor air sealing and insulation

How improving attic performance can help reduce ice dam risk:

Air seal leaks between your living space and attic

Increase attic insulation to R-60 (commonly recommended for colder U.S. regions)

The big takeaway:

Ice dams are often a symptom, not the disease. If your attic is acting like a warm air “escape hatch,” your roof becomes the melting zone, and the roof edge becomes the freezer. Fixing the air leaks and boosting insulation helps keep heat where you paid for it: inside your living space.

⚠️ Important note: Ice damming isn’t always 100% preventable. Sun exposure, roof design, and weather swings can still contribute, even in a well-sealed, well-insulated home. Larry also covers practical steps like monitoring your roof after storms and safe snow-removal strategies when needed.