Air Handler Warms Attic During Winter Ice Dams

Attic insulation and air sealing can help stop ice dams from forming icicles on the roof are a warning sign of insulation problems and ice dams.

Air handler warms attic during winter ice dams.

During the winter it helps to reduce moisture to keep attics dry which prevents ice dams and mold. Unfortunately this practice is all too common in our northern cold climate putting air conditioning ducts in the hottest possible place in the house during the summer and putting heating ductwork through the. If the ducts themselves have a leak or if they are insufficiently insulated the leaking heat can cause an ice dam. Gaps into the attic usually caused by insufficient or improper attic insulation cause this warm air to get into and settle in the attic.

Rapid melting water flows to gutters where it then freezes blocking further drainage and causing what is commonly referred to as an ice dam. In many homes heating ducts run through the attic to reach other parts of the home. This heated air warms your roof causing snow or ice above to melt too rapidly. Warm air naturally rises and will find its way in the attic if there is room to pass through.

There will always be some water vapor on your little patch of the 75 percent water earth. But drying out the air will only accomplish so much. The attic temperatures eventually exceed the external temperatures increase the chances of ice dams. On a hot summer day the sun hits the roof travels through the sheathing and heats up the attic space.

Also it should go without saying that a dehumidifier won t help one pinch to prevent ice dams. A powered roof vent or attic fan is an affordable solution that can dramatically improve ventilation and minimize ice dams in winter and prevent heat from building up in your attic in summer. During the winter the indoor air is warm and humid. A warm attic is the leading cause of ice dams.

To learn more about solving ice dams see prevent ice dams with air sealing and insulation. Heat from living spaces can rise into the attic. A warm attic is a warm attic. In warm climates it is common practice to run heating and air conditioning ducting through attic spaces simply because it is easy to do.

A well ventilated attic during the warmer months helps cool the attic down. Yes in order for your house to stay cool or warm and have good airflow the attic itself needs good airflow as well so that hot air can escape out of the house during the summer and cold air can get into the attic during winter to prevent ice dams from forming and causing damage. Ice dams are a common side effect of poor attic insulation during the winter and icicles on the edge of your roof are an obvious warning sign. What causes ice dams.

Intake vents include soffit or eave vents that allow fresh air to enter the attic. Some older homes have bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans that blow warm and or moist air into the attic. I am in a hot climate near the gulf coast in texas with the air conditioning unit is in the attic.