UNIT 1-57142 SYMINGTON ROAD @ FERMOR AVE, WINNIPEG, MB
PHONE NUMBER: 204-255-2979
Ice Damming & Condensation
ICE DAMMING PREVENTION SERVICES IN WINNIPEG
Warm Home Insulation provides ice damming prevention services in Winnipeg. After record-breaking snow accumulation in recent winters, Manitobans have experienced ice damming on their roofs and/or condensation issues in their attics. Moisture damage caused by ice damming can wreak havoc on your roof and compromise its structural integrity.
We are insulation experts who can diagnose any problem with your home's insulation envelope. Once we know the cause of the formation of ice dams, we can reinforce your home's insulation with state-of-the-art solutions. We tackle the source of the problem, which provides you with long-lasting comfort, contact us today!
HOW ARE ICE DAMS FORMED?
Ice dams occur when the air temperature is below freezing, you have a thick layer of dry snow on your roof, and you have heat coming up through the roof of your home. The snow underneath the layer will melt and run down until it reaches a point where the temperature is no longer above freezing, typically the eaves, and then freeze there, blocking any further drainage from occurring. This doesn’t leave water anywhere to go except into your home and can cause leaks, leading to more significant issues, especially if you don’t notice and don’t catch things early enough.
This issue can become more prominent after energy efficiency upgrades are done to your home, such as getting a new furnace or replacing drafty windows. Old homes are especially susceptible to these problems, as they often do not have enough insulation to prevent snow buildup and ice damming.
Many homes in Manitoba were built in the 1960s and earlier. If you live in the Wolseley or River Heights areas, getting your building envelope assessed for potential problems is important. We can help you by evaluating your home and taking action to either remove existing ice dams or prevent the creation of ice dams in the future.
WHY ARE ICE DAMS PROBLEMATIC?
Ice dams are more than just a winter nuisance; they can lead to structural and financial problems if left untreated. Ice dams forming on your roof can lead to the following problems:​
Roof damage
Ice buildup can lift shingles and cause leaks.
Mould growth
Moisture infiltration creates an environment for mould and mildew.
Interior water damage
Meltwater may seep into ceilings, insulation, and walls.
Leaky gutters
Heavy ice can bend or detach gutters, compromising drainage systems.
Insulation deterioration
Wet insulation loses its thermal efficiency, leading to increased heating costs.
These issues highlight the importance of addressing ice damming early, not only to maintain structural integrity but also to prevent unnecessary energy loss during the cold season. Warm Home Insulation can help you prevent ice damming with proper insulation solutions that keep your roof and attic evenly heated throughout winter.
PREVENTING ICE DAMMING IN YOUR WINNIPEG HOME
Prevention focuses on maintaining uniform roof temperatures and proper attic insulation. One key way to improve the efficiency of your home is by assessing it as a system or “building envelope”- what separates the conditioned (interior) and unconditioned (exterior) environments.
Insulation is critical in this system, acting as a barrier to heat loss and heat gain, especially in walls, attics, and basements. Adding or upgrading insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a house more energy-efficient.
Key prevention methods:
Improve Attic Insulation
-
Proper insulation minimizes heat loss from living spaces into the attic.
-
Fibreglass or cellulose insulation can help maintain consistent attic temperatures.
-
Ensuring even coverage across joists prevents uneven melting of roof snow.
Maintain Roof Drainage Systems
-
Keep eavestroughs and downspouts free of debris to allow melted snow to drain properly.
-
Ensure gutter systems are securely attached and sloped correctly to direct water away from the house.
Ensure Adequate Ventilation
-
Soffit and ridge vents maintain air circulation, helping to balance attic temperatures with cold outside air.
-
Proper ventilation prevents the warm air that contributes to ice formation.
Professional Inspection and Maintenance
-
Annual inspections before winter can help identify gaps in insulation or blockages in ventilation.
-
Our team at Warm Home Insulation strives to provide clear guidance on necessary improvements to help prevent ice damming.
Seal Air Leaks
-
Air leaks from chimneys, light fixtures, and vents can cause warm air to enter the attic.
-
Sealing these leaks with appropriate materials helps stabilize attic temperature and reduces melting.
Warm Home Insulation can inspect and diagnose building envelope problems at your home and provide solutions to your problems that may involve improving the insulation, air and vapour barriers.
TRUST OUR EXPERIENCE
The best way to get rid of ice damming in Winnipeg is to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place. At Warm Home Insulation, we have over 40 years of experience helping homes and businesses around Winnipeg with their insulation needs. We get to the heart of the issue as we assess your building's envelope. This allows us to see what's between the conditioned and unconditioned areas. When we find inadequate insulation, attic leaks and improper ventilation, we go to work with a targeted insulation plan for your home.
In most cases, we have to remove old or worn-out insulation from vulnerable areas and replace it with new spray foam or fibre-based insulation. Additionally, we can inject insulation into empty walls to help seal leaks and prevent water damage. We can also advise on your venting needs so your attic is free from future condensation.
If you live in Winnipeg and ice damming is a problem for you, turn to Warm Home Insulation and get the protection your home needs this winter and for all the winters to come.
Call today to have your home or building assessed and get a free estimate!
