Why Do I Have Icicles Hanging From My Gutters

An ice dam is caused by a buildup of ice in your gutters.

Why do i have icicles hanging from my gutters. In addition to the icicles you see hanging from the side of your house another problem homeowners face in the winter is the formation of ice dams ice dams are gathered ice either at the gutter or soffit which like a dam traps water behind it where it pools up on your roof causing unseen damage to walls ceilings and insulation. Poor ventilation can cause a buildup of warm air in the attic which can escape through. One of the most familiar sights in the wintertime is a line of icicles hanging from the gutters of a home. There are some legitimate reasons why having icicles hanging from your gutter guards is a nuisance like water dripping onto the ground in front of an entry door or along a walkway but there are also reasons why it is healthy for your gutters and your home.

When the gutter is free from snow ice and objects the water will run into it and on down to the downspout. I love to see icicles sparkling in the moonlight don t you. However it isn t the only cause. When the snow melts the water runs into the gutter.

A common culprit of icicles is that your gutter system is clogged with debris. Though icicles are beautiful to look at they can also be a sign that an ice dam is forming under your roof. Why do i have icicles on my gutters. This dripping action in cold weather causes the water droplets to freeze and slowly forms icicles on gutters.

Icicles can form when the ventilation in your attic isn t as effective as it could be.