Ice Dams

Our ranch house has, ever since we've been here, always produced huge iceicles during Winter and, Ice Dams. The detached garage, on the other hand, does not. My question is, why? And, can I prevent this? Quite baffeling to me although, it must have something to do with insulation and heat production. Perhaps I will post pics in order to illustrate. I am in WI BTW.

Thanks in advance!

Lance

 

The garage is likely unheated, and there is no warm, humid air to leak into the attic space. Sealing around perimeter of attic floor, chimney, vent pipes, and other openings that allow for the warm, humid air from below to leak in attic is recommended. If you have can lights, make sure they are insulation rated and allow no heat loss from below. This goes a long way toward preventing ice dams and huge icicles. Having adequate insulation with vapor retarder facing downward to heated area below is recommended. Having adequate ventilation to allow for the warm, humid air to escape to the outdoors is also recommended.