Ice Dam Prevention in Clarksville, TN

We have been xing ice dam damage in Clarksville since 2003. Our freeze-thaw cycles are

perfect for ice dam formation. Warm attic. Cold eaves. Melting snow. It is a recipe for disaster.

We have repaired ice dam damage on homes o Fort Campbell Blvd, near the Red River, and

in the historic district.

This article covers ice dam prevention in Clarksville. What causes them. How to stop them.

And what to do if you already have one. Call (931) 666-1469 for a free inspection.

What Causes Ice Dams on Clarksville Homes

Let us explain the science. Heat from your living space rises into your attic. That heat warms

the roof deck. Snow on the upper part of your roof melts. The water runs down to the eaves.

The eaves are colder because they overhang the outside wall. The water freezes. It builds up.

Water backs up behind the ice dam and seeps under your shingles.

The root cause is heat loss from your living space. Poor attic insulation. Air leaks around light

xtures, attic hatches, and plumbing vents. Inadequate attic ventilation. If your attic is warm,

you will get ice dams.

Ice dams are common in Clarksville because we have frequent freeze-thaw cycles. A warm day

(35-40 degrees) melts snow. A cold night (20-25 degrees) freezes it. Repeat. This is worse than

a sustained deep freeze because the melting and refreezing creates more ice.

Homes with low-slope roofs (4/12 or less) are most vulnerable. Also homes with complex roof

lines (valleys, dormers). Also homes with poor insulation. Also homes where the attic hatch is

not sealed.

Fort Campbell families, base housing has had ice dam problems in the past. We have repaired

many. The housing office now requires ice shield on all base roofs.

A: Our full package (inspection, gutter cleaning, minor repairs, ventilation check) is $250. Free

inspection only is free.

How to Prevent Ice Dams (Step by Step)

Prevention is cheaper than repair. Here is what you need to do.

1. Improve attic insulation. Add insulation to at least R-38 (12 to 14 inches of berglass or

cellulose). This keeps heat in your living space, not your attic. If you have less than 6 inches,

add more. Cost is $1,000 to $2,000 for a typical attic.

1. Seal air leaks. Caulk gaps around light xtures (recessed lights are a major source), attic

hatches, plumbing vents, and wiring penetrations. Warm air rises through these gaps. Use

spray foam or caulk. Cost is $200 to $500 if you DIY, more if you hire a pro.

1. Improve attic ventilation. Ridge vents and so t vents keep the roof deck cold. Cold deck

means snow does not melt unevenly. Add ridge vents if you don't have them. Clear so t vents

of insulation. Cost is $400 to $800.

1. Install ice shield underlayment. When you replace your roof, install ice shield 6 to 8 feet

up from the eaves. This is code in Montgomery County. It prevents water from backing up

under shingles. Cost is included in a new roof.

1. Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters trap water and ice. Clean them in fall and after any

winter storm. Cost is $100 to $200 if you hire us.

1. Install heated cables. For problem roofs, heated cables along the eaves melt channels for

water to drain. Cost is $300 to $600 installed. They plug into a GFCI outlet. Turn them on when

snow is forecast.

1. Remove snow from your roof. Use a roof rake to pull snow o the lower 3 to 4 feet of your

roof after a heavy snowfall (more than 6 inches). Do not climb a ladder in winter. Do not use a

shovel (damages shingles). Cost is $200 to $400 for a professional snow removal service.

How We Fix Ice Dam Damage (Step by Step)

If you already have an ice dam, call us.

1. Inspection. We look for icicles (long icicles indicate ice dams), ice buildup in gutters,

water stains in the attic, and damaged insulation. We use a moisture meter.

1. Ice removal. We use steam or hot water to melt the ice dam. No chipping. No chemicals.

No pressure washer. We have a commercial steamer. Cost is $300 to $800.

1. Leak repair. We remove damaged shingles and underlayment. We replace with new ice

shield and shingles. We make sure the ice shield extends at least 6 feet up.

1. Ceiling repair (referral). We do not do drywall, but we can refer you to a contractor. Water

stains on ceilings may need painting or replacement.

1. Prevention recommendations. We assess your insulation and ventilation. We give you a

written report with recommended improvements.

Why Hire Clarksville Roofing Co for Ice Dam Prevention?

We understand the physics. We know how to stop ice dams at the source. Not just patch the

leak. A leak repair without insulation improvement is temporary.

We also offer heated cable installation. We use high-quality cables with thermostats. They only

turn on when needed (below 35 degrees and moisture present). We install them properly so

they don't damage shingles.

For Fort Campbell families, we offer winter inspections before the first snow. Catch problems

early.

Frequently Asked Questions