BEFORE THE FIRST FREEZE
Ice Dam Prevention for Northern Michigan Homes
Most ice dams start inside the house. Warm air leaks up into the attic, warms the roof, and melts the snow, which then freezes again at the cold edge. Stop the warm air, give the melt somewhere to go, and the roof stays clear.
We set this up in the fall, before the first freeze, for homes across Charlevoix, Emmet, Antrim and Grand Traverse counties: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, Charlevoix, Walloon Lake, Bellaire and everywhere in between.
What we do
Seal the attic. This is usually where the biggest difference is. We close the gaps that let warm air up: around the attic hatch, can lights, chases and the top of the walls.
Add insulation. Once the leaks are sealed, we top up the attic insulation so it actually does its job.
Fix the airflow. Air moving from the soffits up to the ridge keeps the roof cold, so snow stays snow.
Heat cable where it helps. Along the roof edge, gutters and downspouts, placed so the melt has a way off the roof.
The roof edge itself. Drip edge, gutters, and ice and water underlayment when the roof gets redone. Roofing work is done with partners in our trade network, and we coordinate it for you.
Snow off the roof edge. In heavy winters we take the load off the edge as part of our winter maintenance.
Is your house at risk?
You've had ice dams or ceiling stains before
Snow melts fast up top while the edge stays thick with ice
The same long icicles show up every winter
Upstairs rooms run hot, or there's frost on the nails in the attic
It's an older lake cottage that's been added onto over time
How it works
We walk the roof edge and the attic with you and look at the spots that gave you trouble before. You get a written plan with the options ranked by how much difference they'll make, built around your priorities and budget.
The work gets done before the snow. If you want, we'll come back in the middle of winter to make sure the roof edge is staying clear.
Why it's worth doing
Lake-effect snow off Lake Michigan and the bays piles up fast, and the freeze and thaw goes on all winter. One ice dam can soak insulation, stain ceilings and ruin trim. Fixing the cause once beats paying for ice dam removal and repairs every year.
For houses that sit empty in winter, it matters even more, because nobody's there to see the leak start.
Where we work
Emmet County: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay View
Charlevoix County: Boyne City, Charlevoix, Walloon Lake, East Jordan
Antrim County: Bellaire, Torch Lake, Elk Rapids
Grand Traverse County: Traverse City, Old Mission
Lake communities: Bay Harbor · Harbor Point · Wequetonsing
Questions people ask
Isn't heat cable enough?
It helps the melt drain, but it doesn't stop the warm air causing the problem. Sealing and insulating the attic is what makes the real difference, with heat cable where it's needed.
When should this be done?
In the fall, before the first freeze. We book fall checks so the work is finished before the snow.
Our house is empty all winter. Can you still do it?
Yes. We schedule around you and can check on it during the winter.
Do you do roofs?
Roofing is done with partners in our trade network, and we coordinate it so you're not managing it yourself.
How is it priced?
You get a written plan with options ranked by impact, built around your priorities and budget.
Are you insured?
Yes, Northern Trades is fully insured.
Get ahead of winter. Call or text (202) 941-1282, or book a fall check. Northern Michigan based, serving Charlevoix, Emmet, Antrim & Grand Traverse counties.