Preventing Winter Freeze Ups and Ice Dams

Preventing Ice Dams

Keep your attic well ventilated. Cold attics prevent ice accumulation on the roof from melting, resulting in refreezing. This is done by having the right amount of attic insulation.

Keep the attic floor well insulated to minimize the amount of heat rising through hte attic from within the house.

Install ice dam prevention underlayment as part of your roofing system.

Install new or additional insulation in order to prevent heat loss.

Remove ice and snow from roofs with a snow rake.

Preventing Winter Freeze Ups

During winter months, do not turn the thermostat off when leaving your house. Instead, lower the thermostat to a temperature warm enough to keep pipes from freezing, no lower than 55 degrees.

Fit exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping to slow the heat transfer. Check water hoses for signs of cracks or bubbles. Replace faulty hoses.

Consider installing an electronic leak detection system. When water touches the sensor, the valve closes, protecting everything downstream. Some systems can also alert remote securty monitoring services.

Forced hot water systems should have an appropriate antifreeze mixture.

On very cold days, open cabinet doors under sinks, allowing warm air to circulate around the pipes. Let a slow trickle of water to continually flow from faucets to prevent freezing.

Exterior faucets should be shut off for the winter. Hoses should be disconnected and the valve left open.

For more information on better insulating your home, contact Custom Insulation.

Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association