Green Newton

To prevent ice dams, you need to get at the underlying problem, which is the warm roof, caused by poor insulation and venting of the space under the roof. The only way to cure an ice dam – and prevent one in the first place – is to:

• Seal all points where warm air leaks from the living space into the spaces immediately below the roof sheathing.
• Insulate the living space well enough to prevent conduction and convection of heat through the ceiling.
• Vent the space between the insulation and the roof sheathing, so any heat that does leak through is carried away.

Click HERE for a diagram that gives a good idea of what needs to be sealed, insulated and ventilated:

The ice dam cure will also cure a significant loss of heat from your home. It’s a win-win situation: The money you save on fuel bills will pay for the work to protect yourself from ice dams, and your tighter home will feel more comfortable during these cold New England Winters. See more on ice dams HERE.

Thanks to Aronson Insurance for this information on ice dams.

To schedule your free  Mass Saved home energy assessment
call 800-873-1649  and mention “Newton Energy Savers”
or  visit http://www.nextstepliving.com/Newton.