If you have icicles you most likely have some ice damming taking place. This problem is caused by heat loss and lack of proper ventilation. Ice damming can cause significant damage to your roof as well as interior damage to your home.
Ice damming is a ridge of ice that form in your gutters and on your roof. As the snow melts, the water backs up behind this area of ice. Ice damming is caused by heat loss from your home through your attic and out your roof. Water naturally follows the path of least resistance. As snow melts and runs down your roof, it refreezes as it reaches a colder spot. The colder spots on your roof are usually at the edge of the roof. Once this area of ice starts forming the water backs up behind it. Once this happens it can start to seep into cracks and openings in the roof covering. Ultimately it can leak into your home, causing damage to the walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. The ice can also lift and damage your shingles.
Taking care of the problem requires more than just removing the ice. Contacting a qualified contractor to evaluate your attic insulation and ventilation is recommended. You may find more information on this and other topics at your local university extension website.
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