Does Opening a Roof Hatch Help With Ice Dams?

Ice dams originate near areas on the roof where heat escapes from the interior of the home. The escaping heat melts the snow, allowing the liquid to slide down until it freezes nearby. The ice builds into a dam. The roof hatch does affect the ice dam, but it is not preventive. The hatch is an area of heat loss that contributes to the ice dam. Opening the hatch doesn't stop the ice dam process. However, there is a way to prevent heat loss through the roof hatch.

Cloth rags
Paint scraper
Soapy water
Weather sealer (weather-stripping, caulk or insulation)

Instructions

- 1
  Close the hatch tightly. The latch should catch securely and the places where the hatch meets the roof should be tightly closed. Put your fingers to that space. If you feel a draft of any kind, the hatch is losing heat and contributing to your ice dam problem.
- 2
  Open the hatch. Scrape away excess ice, paint or weather sealers using the paint scraper. The old weather-stripping, caulk or insulation can cause the hatch to stay open as well.
- 3
  Wipe the hatch door and opening with cloth rag and soapy water. Doing so removes any dust or debris that may be preventing the roof hatch from closing tightly. Let the area dry completely. This prepares the site for applying new weather sealers.
- 4
  Apply your chosen sealer to the area, following the package instructions for application. Place the sealer on the interior of the home and not the exterior, and only where the hatch meets the roof.

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