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& In winter, it is not unusual to see a few icicles hanging from the “nose” of your Gutter Helmet. Your Gutter Helmet will not be harmed by and is not the cause of icicle formation. The icicles are caused by the sun melting snow on the roof. Minor icicle formation is normal and indicates Gutter Helmet is doing its job – keeping ice and snow out of the gutters. However, if there is significant icicle formation or ice build up on top of your Gutter Helmet, this signals a more serious problem – that of significant heat loss from the living quarters into the attic. Basically, you are wasting energy dollars to heat the roof which causes snow to melt and roll down to the eaves becoming icicles and – ice dams. Remember that it should be the same temperature in the attic – as it is outside. This concept has not been well understood in the building industry – until recently – and is the reason why so many homes are inadequately ventilated and insulated! ˚ The Problem with Ice Dams - As long as its freezing outside you will not have a problem with the ice dam but when things warm up – look out! Melted water forms behind the ice dam and is trapped. The melted water can work its way under the shingles and drop into the attic – ruining your insulation, your drywall and paint. Hopefully, you have ice and water shield installed under the shingles at the eave (which is now code) and this will not happen to you. But if you have ice dams and no shield – you are a prime candidate for water penetration into the attic and the damage, headaches and expense that follow. Solving the Problem: 1st Defense Adding Insulation / Ventilation Adding insulation to your home’s attic is the least expensive and best way to reduce or eliminate dangerous ice dams from forming at your eaves. (The Department of Energy requires A Michigan Family Owned Business Since 1989 www.AtlasHomeImprovement.com Your Next Step... If you are experiencing any of the conditions described above – significant ice dam or icicle formation at your eaves – with or without Gutter Helmet or even gutters – we suggest you have one of our experts inspect and evaluate your home. It may well be that your home needs more insulation, ventilation or Heated Helmet! There is no cost or obligation for this inspection. R-60 or 17” of insulation in Michigan attics). It is just as important that your attic be able to “breathe”. When ventilation is inadequate – heat and moisture are trapped in the attic causing melting and mold. Lack of ventilation and heat build up are the #1 reason for premature roof failure and need for replacement – not Michigan weather! Sometimes, adding insulation and ventilation is not enough. Homes designed with cathedral or vaulted ceilings make it impossible to add insulation or ventilation. Factors such as extra wide eaves, prevailing winds and the direction the house faces can have an impact that cannot be overcome and homeowners have had no choice – but to live with the problems associated with icicles and ice dams. Another Solution: 2nd Defense Adding Heated Helmet™ Atlas now offers Heated Helmet™ – a unique solution to ice problems caused by these difficult or impossible to solve situations. Heated Helmet is an advanced self-regulating heating cable system that is designed to be installed with Gutter Helmet. It is unique in the industry. The Heated Helmet system will warm the Gutter Helmet panels, gutters and downspouts and will substantially eliminate icicle and ice formation. The Heated Helmet is GFCI protected and can be installed at any time.
