This article was originally published in the November/December
1996 issue of Home Energy Magazine. Some formatting
inconsistencies may be evident in older archive content. | Back
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Energy Magazine Online November/December 1996 Out, Out Dammed
Ice! by Paul Fisette Paul Fisette is director of Building
Materials Technology and Management at the University of
Massachusetts, Amherst. Ice dams cause millions of dollars of
structural damage to houses every year, including water damage
from roof leaks. There are many ways to treat the symptoms, but
proper air sealing, insulation, and attic venting are the best
ways to eliminate the problem. Anyone who has lived in a snowy
climate has seen ice dams. Thick bands of ice form along the
eaves of homes, causing millions of dollars of structural damage
every year. Water-stained ceilings, dislodged roof shingles,
sagging gutters, peeling paint, and damaged plaster are familiar
results of ice dams. Ice dams are not