Sometimes even the prettiest things have a nasty story behind them.
If your icicles are just a few inches long, don’t get too anxious. Small icicles are often unavoidable. But when those long winter spears reach over two feet, it may be a sign of poor insulation and heat loss through the roof. If you’re seeing these issues in your Des Moines home, it could point to roof insulation problems and future structural damage.
So if you find large icicles forming, here’s what it could mean—and what to do to be proactive.
How Do Icicles Form? The process is simple: heat rises through your home and escapes through the roof, melting the snow above. The water flows to the edge of the roof and into your gutters, where it refreezes and forms icicles. This is common with attic insulation issues in Des Moines, IA homes, especially during deep winter cold snaps.
Why Are They a Problem? There are two problems: heat loss and potential damage to your roof and gutters.
Losing warm air through the attic can drive up your utility bills and reduce overall home energy efficiency. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my roof leaking in winter?” the cause might be warm air melting rooftop snow that refreezes into ice dams.
Additionally, the weight of icicles can damage gutters or create pooling water on your roof. That water can seep into your walls or attic and lead to water damage or wood rot. Addressing insulation and air leaks is key to preventing these issues.
What Should You Do About It? Be proactive. Don’t climb a ladder to break icicles—that’s risky for you and your roof.
Instead, properly air seal and insulate your attic. Even small air leaks can allow warm air into the attic, causing ice formation. Improving attic insulation in Des Moines, IA homes can help reduce energy waste, prevent ice dams, and keep your home warmer.
It may sound like a hassle, but upgrading insulation is one of the most effective energy saving tips for winter. You’ll lower your heating costs and protect your home from preventable damage.
At Metro Heating & Cooling, we’re proud to help homeowners improve home energy efficiency in Des Moines. Our team offers insulation advice, seasonal HVAC maintenance, and solutions for heat loss through the roof.
Call us today to learn more about preventing winter roof issues and improving your home’s comfort.
