Every winter it is inevitable that some homeowners will get the dreaded ice dam. Not so much of a problem if you don’t get water into the house. What’s the solution? Conventionally, a roofer will recommend adding fiberglass or cellulose insulation to the attic floor and increasing the ventilation in the roof system. This would consist of soffit vents under the overhang and a ridge vent at the peak of the house. All other vents should be blocked off at that point. In my experience I have not seen this effort eliminate ice dams. There is still too much heat loss from the living space which causes the snow to melt which creates the ice dams. What is necessary is an effective air barrier to the roof deck to stop the air movement. This requires eliminating roof ventilation all together. My opinion is that Icynene spray foam insulation is the product of choice to not only minimize ice dams, but simultaneously lower your heating and cooling expenses!

Icynene® at a glance . . .
Icynene®, the leading soft foam insulation and air barrier system, is becoming the industry standard for providing maximum building envelope performance. Icynene®’s spray formulation represents a breakthrough in the science of moisture and thermal management.

• Flexible, water-blown, open-celled foam insulation
• 100:1 expansion provides maximum air-seal
• Effective control over moisture movement in walls
• Up to 50% energy savings over fiberglass or cellulose
• Effectively controls mold growth
• Seals out dust, allergens, pollens, dust-mites, vapor
• Eliminates convective looping

The end result of using Icynene® is a healthier structure of superior quality, with higher comfort levels and lower heating and cooling costs.

In addition to being the healthy choice for insulation, the costs of installing Icynene® are tax deductible and there are energy efficiency rebate programs as well that can pay for up to 50% of the installation costs.