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In winter, it is not unusual to see a fewicicles hanging from the “nose” of yourGutter Helmet. Your Gutter Helmetwill not be harmed by and is not thecause of icicle formation. The iciclesare caused by the sun melting snowon the roof. Minor icicle formation isnormal and indicates Gutter Helmetis doing its job – keeping ice and snowout of the gutters.
However, if there is significant icicleformation or ice build up on top ofyour Gutter Helmet, this signals amore serious problem – that ofsignificant heat loss from the livingquarters into the attic.
Basically, you are wasting energydollars to heat the roof which causessnow to melt and roll down to theeaves becoming icicles and – ice dams. Remember that it should be the sametemperature in the attic – as it isoutside. This concept has not beenwell understood in the buildingindustry – until recently – and is thereason why so many homes areinadequately ventilated and insulated! The Problem with Ice Dams -As long as its freezing outside you willnot have a problem with the ice dam
but when things warm up – look out! Melted water forms behind the icedam and is trapped. The melted watercan work its way under the shinglesand drop into the attic – ruining yourinsulation, your drywall and paint.
Hopefully, you have ice and watershield installed under the shingles atthe eave (which is now code) andthis will not happen to you. But ifyou have ice dams and no shield –you are a prime candidate for waterpenetration into the attic and thedamage, headaches and expensethat follow.
Solving the Problem: 1st DefenseAdding Insulation / VentilationAdding insulation to your home’sattic is the least expensive and bestway to reduce or eliminate dangerousice dams from forming at your eaves.(The Department of Energy requires
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Your Next Step...If you are experiencing any of theconditions described above –significant ice dam or icicle formationat your eaves – with or withoutGutter Helmet or even gutters – wesuggest you have one of our expertsinspect and evaluate your home.
It may well be that your home needsmore insulation, ventilation orHeated Helmet! There is no cost orobligation for this inspection.
R-60 or 17” of insulation in Michiganattics). It is just as important that yourattic be able to “breathe”. Whenventilation is inadequate – heat andmoisture are trapped in the atticcausing melting and mold. Lack ofventilation and heat build up are the#1 reason for premature roof failureand need for replacement – notMichigan weather!
Sometimes, adding insulation andventilation is not enough. Homesdesigned with cathedral or vaultedceilings make it impossible to addinsulation or ventilation. Factors suchas extra wide eaves, prevailing windsand the direction the house faces canhave an impact that cannot beovercome and homeowners have hadno choice – but to live with theproblems associated with icicles andice dams.
Another Solution: 2nd DefenseAdding Heated Helmet™Atlas now offers Heated Helmet™ – a unique solution to ice problemscaused by these difficult or impossibleto solve situations. Heated Helmet isan advanced self-regulating heatingcable system that is designed to beinstalled with Gutter Helmet. It isunique in the industry.
The Heated Helmet system willwarm the Gutter Helmet panels,gutters and downspouts and willsubstantially eliminate icicle andice formation. The Heated Helmetis GFCI protected and can beinstalled at any time.
