Preventing Ice Dams Continued From Page 23


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inconsistent insulation will allow warm air 


HOW T PR HOW TO PREVENT IENT ICE DICE DAM DAMS


1. Ice & Water Shields — Ice and water shields are placed in vulnerable areas like eaves, valleys, low pitches, and chimney perimeters, helping prevent water from entering the interior roof layers. Placing them over the entire roof can create a vapor barrier that will cause condensation on the deck leading to water damage. Washington state code requires the installation of a minimum of two layers of underlayment cemented together or a self-adhering bitumen membrane extending from the lowest edges of all roof surfaces to a point not less than 24 inches inside the exterior wall line of the building.


Ice and water shields are placed in vulnerable areas like eaves, valleys, low pitches, and chimney perimeters.


2. Professional Help — Having the attic professionally inspected can help determine whether it is susceptible to heat (energy) loss from the conditioned space. Proper attic ventilation will help eliminate excess heat and the temperature variance between the underside and top of the roof deck, reducing the odds of snow melting above the conditioned space and refreezing at parts of the roof.


Proper attic ventilation will help eliminate excess heat and the temperature variance between ridge and eaves.


24 Community Associations Journal | November-December 2023


Keep an eye out for falling ice!


3. Add Insulation To The Attic — Regularly checking your insulation will help you know when it needs to be replaced or when you should increase the amount you currently have installed. According to most building  cellulose insulation.


» Expandable foam insulation can be used in tight spots to prevent heat escape.


» Avoiding batt insulation can prevent gaps and voids. » Compressed or compacted insulation reduces R-rating and effectiveness, creating a discontinuous thermal boundary.


Expandable foam insulation can be used in tight spots.


4. Minimizing Heat In The Attic — During the  minimum. This includes turning off lights or other heat sources if applicable and keeping doors closed to try to keep the space cool and avoid paying to heat the space.


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