1.30.26 - Got Icicles? Contact MassSave to check your Insulation!

[Sustainable Sudbury]

Icicles on your roof can be a bad sign, indicating potential problems with your home’s insulation, ventilation, or both. 

Contact MassSave to arrange a free inspection and, if needed, free or inexpensive upgrade to your house insulation and/or venting, all courtesy of Eversource.

Icicles as a Warning Sign

• Ice dams: Large or persistent icicles often signal ice dams, which form when heat from your home melts snow on the roof, and the water refreezes at the colder eaves. 
   This creates a barrier that traps water, which can back up under shingles and leak into your home.
• Heat loss: Icicles suggest heat is escaping into the attic, warming the roof and causing uneven melting. 
   This is typically due to inadequate attic insulation or poor ventilation. And you are spending too much on heating your house!
  

Risks Associated with Icicles

• Structural damage: Ice dams can damage shingles, gutters, and roof decking, and cause water leaks that lead to mold, rot, and ceiling damage. 
  
• Safety hazards: Large icicles can fall unexpectedly, posing serious risks of injury to people, pets, or property (e.g., shattered windows, damaged vehicles). 
  
• Hidden issues: Icicles on siding or under roof overhangs may indicate water infiltration inside walls, which can lead to long-term structural damage. 

When to Take Action

• Small, occasional icicles may be normal in cold climates but still worth monitoring. 
  
• Large, thick, or continuous icicles — especially those forming along gutters or eaves — are a clear sign to address insulation and ventilation issues. 
  
• Proactive prevention includes:
• Ensuring proper attic insulation (e.g., R-49 to R-60, per local code).
• Installing soffit and ridge vents for balanced attic airflow.
• Using a roof rake to remove snow from the roof edge.
• Hiring a professional for ice dam removal if needed. 
  

✅ Bottom line: While icicles may look picturesque, they are a warning sign of energy inefficiency and potential roof damage. 

 Addressing insulation and ventilation is the best long-term solution.

To repeat: contact MassSave to arrange a free inspection and, if needed, free or inexpensive upgrade to your house insulation and/or venting, all courtesy of Eversource.