Expert: Michael Curry - 10/30/2007

Question
Last year I purchased a house built in the 1890s with a flat 'widow's walk' peak and four gabled roof lines coming out to each side of the house. Each of the upstairs bedrooms has vaulted ceilings. I love the architectural style however there is some serious ice damming problems in the winter. As a temporary solution I've added heating cables to the eaves, but I'm looking for a different solution if there is one. Is it possible to put a false roof on the house with a 2 or 3 inch air space for ventilation? I would rather not rip apart the upstairs ceilings to improve the insulation and ventilation, but would be willing to do this if necessary.

Answer
Hi Peter,

You can do this work from outside by strapping the rafters and adding insulation and an air barrier. The problem is time and weather. Personally I would do it from inside - room by room. When you redo the roof use ice and water shield or a torch on membrane and rap it up the sides of the dormers.