Stop the Winter Disaster: Why Ice Dams Form & How GutterFlow Stops Them

As the snow flies in Lansing and Central Michigan, the biggest threat to your home’s roofline isn't the snow itself—it's the massive ridge of ice that forms at the edge: the dreaded Ice Dam.

At HASLETT HANDYMAN, we don't just fix the damage; we install the permanent solutions that prevent it from happening in the first place.

What Causes the Ice Dam Disaster?

An ice dam isn't caused by cold weather alone; it’s caused by a temperature imbalance on your roof. This process involves three steps:

1. Heat Loss: Warm air from your living space leaks into the attic (due to inadequate insulation or poor ventilation), warming the central section of the roof.
2. Snow Melt: This warm roof melts the layer of snow directly above it, even if the outdoor temperature is below freezing.
3. Refreezing: The resulting meltwater runs down the roof until it reaches the cold, unheated eave or gutter line, where it refreezes.

As this process repeats, the ice ridge grows, creating a "dam" that traps all subsequent meltwater behind it.

The High Price of Ice Damage

When water can no longer flow off the roof, it pools behind the dam and works its way upwards—under your shingles, roofing felt, and into your home's structure. This can lead to:

• Interior Water Damage: Stains on ceilings and walls, peeling paint, and ruined drywall.
• Structural Damage: Rotting roof sheathing, fascia boards, and exterior trim.
• Insulation Failure: Soaked insulation in the attic loses its R-value, leading to even more heat loss and higher energy bills.
• Gutter Damage: The sheer weight of the massive ice dam can pull gutters completely off the fascia board, leading to expensive repairs.

The Permanent Solution: Introducing the GutterFlow System

Many standard gutter covers or screens can actually worsen ice dam problems by creating a lid where snow and ice accumulate, trapping the water. That’s why HASLETT HANDYMAN partners with the GutterFlow System—a revolutionary, Michigan-designed solution built to keep water flowing, even in the harshest winters.

The GutterFlow System is an interlocking, black aluminum insert that sits inside the gutter trough. It works on two key principles to combat ice dams:

1. Maintains a Clear Flow Channel

Unlike covers that allow debris to decompose and clog the bottom of the gutter, GutterFlow uses a patented design to maintain an open air channel at the base. Water is pulled through any surface debris and into this clear channel, ensuring that even if snow and leaves sit on top, the gutter underneath is always functional.

2. Actively Combats Ice Buildup

The black aluminum material is a key innovation. It absorbs ambient sunlight, warming the air inside the open channel. This temperature difference helps to melt a clean line of ice along the edge of the gutter, providing a continuous pathway for meltwater to escape, dramatically reducing the opportunity for a massive ice dam to form.

The result? A gutter that handles heavy rain, sheds debris, and is engineered to keep meltwater moving safely away from your roof and foundation, protecting your home investment year-round.

Ready for Year-Round Protection?

Don't wait until you have a ceiling stain or a gutter lying in your yard. The most effective ice dam prevention involves addressing both the heat loss (attic work) and the water flow (gutters).

Contact HASLETT HANDYMAN today for a free estimate on installing the GutterFlow System and fortifying your home against winter damage!

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