What is the recommended method to address ice damming on roofs?

Increasing attic insulation is the recommended method to address ice damming on roofs because it helps to maintain a consistent temperature in the attic, preventing the snow on the roof from melting unevenly. When warm air from the attic escapes into the roof space, it can cause the snow above to melt. This melted water can then run down to the eaves where it’s colder, refreezing and forming ice dams. By enhancing the insulation, less heat escapes from the living area into the attic, thereby allowing the snow to melt uniformly and minimizing the risk of ice dams forming.

In contrast, the other methods do not effectively address the underlying issue of heat loss from the interior of the home. Installing more gutters might help with drainage but will not prevent the conditions that lead to ice damming. Increasing roof pitch can change water flow, but it does little to solve the problem of internal heat that contributes to melting snow. Reducing roof overhang could create other issues such as increased exposure to elements and does not impact heat retention in the attic either.