Why Buffalo roofs get ice dams
For an ice dam to form, there must be snow on the roof while upper parts of the roof surface are above 32°F and the lower edge is below freezing. Meltwater runs down, refreezes at the eave and backs up under shingles.[1] Buffalo supplies the snow: the 1991–2020 normal at the airport is 95.4 inches a year,[4] and the National Weather Service notes frequent winter thaws and rain,[5] the melt-refreeze cycle that feeds dams.
The heat mostly comes from the house. University of Minnesota Extension says air leakage through ceiling penetrations such as light fixtures is, in many homes, the major source of the heat that causes ice dams. Chimneys, leaky attic ductwork, knee walls and bath or kitchen exhausts that end just above the roof add to it.[1]
The fix, in order
- Air-seal the attic floor. The Department of Energy's Building America program calls sealing leaks from living space into the attic the most important step.[2] DOE's checklist covers gaps around light fixtures, duct boots, wiring, plumbing and flues, and notes fibrous insulation is not an air barrier.[6]
- Add insulation once leaks are sealed, so less heat reaches the roof by conduction.[1]
- Keep ventilation open. ENERGY STAR says natural attic ventilation helps keep the attic cold in winter, and warns never to cover soffit vents with insulation; use rafter vents (baffles).[7]
- Move heat sources out of the attic where possible. Building America advises against HVAC equipment in the attic and suggests sealing and burying ducts that must stay there.[2]
- Seal the eaves when you reroof. DOE recommends a self-adhered bituminous membrane in Climate Zone 5 and colder, from the roof edge to at least two feet inside the interior wall line.[3]
Minnesota Extension does not recommend powered attic fans as an ice dam fix; they can create moisture problems and negative pressure in the house.[1]
Short-term moves when a dam is already there
Removing roof snow takes away one ingredient of an ice dam, but a roof rake or broom can damage roofing. In an emergency with water coming in, cutting channels through the dam lets water drain; Extension notes this lasts only days.[1] Winter roof work is risky, and Extension advises hiring professionals.[1] See our ice dam removal cost guide for typical prices.
Homes in Orchard Park, Hamburg and East Aurora sit where lake-effect snow is heavier than north of the city,[5] so prevention pays off sooner. Older capes in Cheektowaga and Buffalo with low-slope sections and finished attics are common trouble spots.
Who to call
Air sealing and insulation is weatherization work; Minnesota Extension suggests a contractor who runs a blower door test and may use an infrared camera to find heat loss.[1] Eave membrane and ventilation fixes belong in a reroof. Compare ice dam contractors or roof replacement contractors near you.