BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Roof Eaves Sealed with Self-Adhering Membrane in Cold Climates

Guide

Guide describing how to apply self-adhered asphaltic membranes at eaves in cold climates to help guard against ice dams.

The polyethylene ceiling vapor barrier is sealed to form an air barrier around the exhaust fan in this very cold climate location (≥ CZ 6).

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CCHRC Building Addition: Creating a Heated Roof to Apply Roofing Membrane

Video

Video from Cold Climate Housing Research Center on how to create a heated roof to apply roofing membrane correctly in cold climates.

Dealing with and preventing ice dams

Reference

Webpage explaining what causes the formation of ice dams on roofs and steps to take to prevent them.

ASCE Ground Snow Loads

Reference

Webpage providing mapping tool for obtaining ground snow load, based on ASCE 7-10, for any location in the contiguous United States, with the exception of locations requiring a case study due to extreme local variations in ground snow loads. Fee required for some data.

Attic Eave Minimum Insulation

Guide

Guide providing guidance on insulating attic eaves in new and existing single-family homes and multifamily buildings.

Ice Dam Formation and Prevention

Video

Video describing the formation of ice dams on roofs and construction methods that can reduce the likelihood of ice dam formation.

Construct Roofs and Attics for Ice Dam Prevention

Guide

Guide describing how ice dams form and how roofs can be constructed to prevent them.

Reduce Ice Dam and Icicle Damage

Reference

Webpage explaining how to mitigate heat loss through roofs for ice dam prevention.

Venting of Attics & Cathedral Ceilings

Reference

Report describing the use of attic ventilation to control moisture in cathedral roofs and avoid the formation of ice dams.

De-Icing Ice Dams, BSI-097

Reference

Article describing the importance of air sealing, insulation, and roof ventilation in reducing the likelihood of ice dam formation on roofs in cold snowy climates.

Ventilating Cathedral Ceilings to Prevent Problematic Icings at their Eaves

Reference

Report describing the formation of icicles and ice dams along poorly ventilated roofs and how to mitigate ventilation issues with insulation and vents.

Guidelines for Ventilating Attics and Cathedral Ceilings to Avoid Icings at Their Eaves

Reference

Report describing the use of fresh air ventilation systems to eliminate the formation of icicles and ice dams along the eaves of roofs.

Condensation Control in Attics and Roofs in Cold Weather

Guide

Guide describing causes of condensation in attics and roof assemblies during cold weather and ways to reduce this condensation.

Managing Snow Loads on Roofs and Decks

Guide

Guide describing how to construct homes and decks to manage heavy snow loads in winter weather.