What's your narrative on this one?

[Brian_A.MacNeish]

@bgromicko

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My advice to everyone: Don’t hide behind the SOP. It won’t help.

To all:
10 Steps to Inspecting the Roof - online training video - Step #5 involves ice dams. 10 Steps to Performing a Roof Inspection Course - InterNACHI®

Wise words!!

[mklein (Matthew K. Klein, P.E., MBA)]

I have noticed that the depth of the snow also is involved. We normally do not have ice cycles in this southern Ohio area during the winter. However, we had an unusual 12-incher a couple of weeks ago and I noticed a lot of homes with icicles that did not usually have them with shallower snows. The icicles occurred even though temperatures were not above freezing during the time. This seems to support melting on upper roof areas, water flowing to lower roof areas and then freezing again. I further think that water freezing in the gutters might also allow snow melt to flow over the gutter.

BTW, my first thought to Ben’s question was, “It’ll put your eye out.”

[Brian_A.MacNeish]

@mklein

I have noticed that the depth of the snow also is involved. We normally do not have ice cycles in this southern Ohio area during the winter. However, we had an unusual 12-incher a couple of weeks ago and I noticed a lot of homes with icicles that did not usually have them with shallower snows. The icicles occurred even though temperatures were not above freezing during the time. This seems to support melting on upper roof areas, water flowing to lower roof areas and then freezing again. I further think that water freezing in the gutters might also allow snow melt to flow over the gutter.

BTW, my first thought to Ben’s question was, “It’ll put your eye out.”

The snow has insulation value…so having more increases R-value. Could be that with windless days, a bit of solar gain plus minor heat loss through attic bypasses and air leaks…the attic air and roof sheathing will rise to be above freezing.