Terms of Use, IceDamCheck
What this site is
IceDamCheck estimates how many days in a normal winter an ice dam can form on a typical roof in US cities, how much attic sealing changes that, and what heat cable would cost to run, from public climate data and a documented model. It covers the United States only and is informational only.
Not an inspection
Real roofs differ in pitch, insulation, air leakage, ventilation, shade and drainage in ways a per-city model cannot see. Figures here are a screening check, not a substitute for an inspection by a roofer or an energy audit, and no figure should be the only basis for buying a product or hiring work.
Costs are estimates
Heat-cable running costs assume a stated cable length, wattage and electricity price and a typical winter. Your rate, how long the cable is left on and any given year's weather will change the bill. Installed prices for air sealing, insulation, membrane and cable vary widely by region and contractor.
Safety
Do not climb onto a snowy or icy roof. Rake from the ground, and leave ice removal on the roof to someone insured to do it. Chipping or hammering at a dam damages shingles. Heat cable must be rated for roofs and gutters, installed to the maker's instructions and plugged into a GFCI-protected outlet; new circuits need a licensed electrician under local code.
Content and links
Site content, design and the underlying model belong to IceDamCheck unless noted. External links are provided for convenience; IceDamCheck is not responsible for third-party sites.
Changes
These terms may be updated as the site changes. Continued use after an update means you accept the current version.