Sometimes the slope makes all the difference for drainage issues.
- True, but I’ve had ice dams even on a pretty steep roof (like 8/12 pitch).
- In my case, it was more about attic insulation and ventilation than the pitch itself.
- Gutters were clear, but heat escaping from the house melted snow unevenly... then it refroze at the eaves.
- Just saying, sometimes you can do everything “right” and still get caught off guard.
- Anyone else notice that? Maybe it’s just our weird Midwest weather.
Roof Upkeep Through The Seasons—Did You See This?
I totally get what you’re saying about the insulation and ventilation being just as important as the slope. I used to think a steeper roof would solve most of my winter headaches, but nope—ice dams still showed up last year. My place is a 1960s ranch with a 7/12 pitch, and even after clearing the gutters and adding those foam baffles in the attic, I still had some ice build-up at the edges.
Here’s what I’ve pieced together (on a pretty tight budget):
1. First, I checked for obvious air leaks in the attic—around light fixtures, bathroom fans, that kind of thing. Sealing those up with spray foam helped a bit, but it’s not perfect.
2. Next, I beefed up the insulation over the living room (where it was thinnest). That seemed to help keep the ceiling colder, so less snow melted from underneath.
3. Ventilation was trickier. I added a couple more soffit vents and made sure nothing was blocking them inside. Still, on those weird Midwest days where it’s 35°F and sunny after a big snow, I’ll get some melt no matter what.
Honestly, sometimes it feels like you can do everything “by the book” and still get caught out by a freak thaw or cold snap. Midwest weather is just unpredictable—one day it’s freezing rain, next day it’s sunny and melting everything.
One thing that surprised me: my neighbor put in those heated cables along his eaves last winter. He said they worked okay but his electric bill jumped more than he expected. Not sure if that’s worth it unless you’re really desperate.
If you’re trying to keep costs down like me, I’d say focus on sealing up attic leaks first before spending big on new insulation or fancy gadgets. But yeah... sometimes Mother Nature just wins for a week or two.
Curious if anyone else has tried those “ice & water shield” membranes under shingles? Wondering if they’re worth it when reroofing comes around.
Ice & water shield is one of those things that sounds like overkill until you’ve actually had a leak from ice dams or wind-driven rain. I’ve managed a few reroofs where we added it just at the eaves and valleys, and honestly, it’s saved a lot of headaches. It won’t stop the ice from forming, but it does keep water from sneaking into the house if you get a backup. Not cheap, but compared to repairing interior damage... I’d say it’s worth considering when you’re already tearing off old shingles. Midwest winters are just brutal sometimes—no perfect fix, but every layer helps.
Had a place a few years back where we skipped ice & water shield to save on costs—big mistake. First winter, ice dam backed up and water found its way in right above the kitchen. Ended up with stained drywall and a mess of insulation to replace. Since then, I just budget for it at the eaves and valleys, no matter what. Not cheap, but way less hassle than dealing with repairs mid-winter. Midwest weather really doesn’t cut you any slack.
Can totally relate to this. Tried to skimp on the ice & water barrier one time—figured the attic was well insulated and it’d be fine. Ended up with a nasty surprise after a heavy freeze/thaw cycle. Midwest winters just find every weak spot. Worth the extra upfront cost, for sure.
