Ice dams are one of the most common winter roof problems in Eastern Ontario, and one of the most preventable. From Ottawa and Brockville to Perth, Carleton Place and the rest of Lanark County, we see the same pattern every year: a heavy snowfall, a few mild days, a hard freeze, and suddenly water is coming through a ceiling.

Left alone, an ice dam can cause leaks, mold, damaged insulation and costly repairs. At Kovar Contracting, we’d rather help you stop it before it starts. Here’s what causes ice dams, the warning signs to watch for, and how to protect your home this winter, including when heat trace cables are the right fix.

What Is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the bottom edge of your roof. It happens when snow melts on the warmer upper part of the roof, runs down, and refreezes at the colder eaves.

Over time that ice builds into a barrier, or “dam,” that stops meltwater from draining. The trapped water has nowhere to go, so it backs up under your shingles and into your roof deck, attic and walls.

What Causes Ice Dams?

Ice dams come down to one thing: uneven roof temperatures. The upper roof is warm enough to melt snow while the eaves stay below freezing. The most common causes are:

• Poor attic insulation. Heat escapes from your living space into the attic and warms the roof deck from below.
• Poor attic ventilation. Without enough airflow, warm air gets trapped in the attic and raises roof temperatures.
• Heavy snow accumulation. A thick layer of snow insulates the roof, holding in warmth underneath while the overhanging eaves stay cold.
• Clogged eavestroughs and gutters. Leaves and debris trap water that freezes and gives ice a place to build.

Signs You Have an Ice Dam Problem

Catching an ice dam early can save you from expensive interior damage. Watch for:

• A thick ridge of ice along the edge of your roof
• Large icicles hanging from the eaves (big icicles are often the first visible sign of an ice dam)
• Ice building up inside your eavestroughs or downspouts
• Water stains, peeling paint or bubbling drywall on ceilings or upper walls near exterior walls
• Damp or frosty spots in the attic

The Risks of Ignoring Ice Dams

An ice dam rarely stays a small problem. If it isn’t addressed, it can lead to:

• Roof leaks. Water trapped behind the dam seeps under shingles and into your home.
• Mold and mildew. Ongoing moisture in the attic and walls creates ideal conditions for mold, which affects indoor air quality.
• Eavestrough damage. The weight of the ice can pull eavestroughs and gutters away from the house.
• Damaged insulation. Wet insulation loses much of its effectiveness, which means more heat loss and higher energy bills.
• Falling ice. Large icicles and ice chunks are a real hazard for anyone walking below.

How to Prevent Ice Dams

The best prevention keeps your whole roof cold and even, so snow doesn’t melt and refreeze at the edges.

1. Improve your attic insulation. Good insulation keeps your home’s heat where it belongs, out of the attic. Learn more about our attic insulation services.
2. Improve attic ventilation. Proper airflow keeps the roof deck close to the outdoor temperature.
3. Clean your eavestroughs in late fall. Clear gutters give meltwater a path to drain.
4. Install heat trace cables in problem areas. More on this below.
5. Book a professional roof inspection. A contractor can spot insulation, ventilation and roofing issues before winter arrives.

How Heat Trace Cables Prevent Ice Dams

Insulation and ventilation address the root cause, but some roofs have trouble spots that keep forming ice no matter what. Low-slope sections, roof valleys and eaves over unheated overhangs are the usual culprits.

Heat trace cables, also called roof heating cables, are installed in a zigzag pattern along these areas and inside eavestroughs and downspouts. They keep a clear channel open so meltwater drains away instead of backing up under your shingles. The system plugs into a dedicated outdoor GFCI outlet, and we supply a duty-cycle timer that cycles the cables on and off to keep power use down.

They can go in any time the eavestroughs aren’t frozen, and they need to be in before the first hard freeze. Kovar Contracting installs Heat-Line Paladin, a commercial-grade self-regulating heat trace system, across Ottawa, Perth, Carleton Place, Brockville and Lanark County, and our roofing work has been featured on Home RenoVision DIY.

Protect Your Home Before the First Freeze

At Kovar Contracting, we help homeowners across Ottawa, Perth, Carleton Place, Brockville and Lanark County keep their roofs safe, efficient and built to last. Our team can assess your roof, attic insulation and ventilation, and recommend the right fix for your home, whether that’s prevention, heat trace installation or repairs.

Don’t wait for the first leak.

Call us at 613-979-1704  or contact us online to book your roof assessment before winter sets in.

Ottawa homeowners face unique challenges when it comes to protecting their homes from the elements. With frigid winters, humid summers, and everything in between, your home’s siding plays a crucial role in maintaining comfort, efficiency, and curb appeal. At Kovar Contracting, founder Jason Kovar and siding foreman Alex Horvath have helped hundreds of Ottawa homeowners select and install the perfect siding for their specific needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the best siding options for Ottawa’s climate and why professional installation from Kovar Contracting makes all the difference.

Best Siding Materials for Ottawa’s Challenging Climate

Vinyl Siding: Affordable Protection Against Ottawa Winters

Vinyl siding continues to be the most popular choice for Ottawa homes, and for good reason. Jason Kovar notes that modern vinyl siding offers:

• Exceptional cold weather performance: Premium vinyl stays flexible even in Ottawa’s sub-zero temperatures, preventing cracking and warping. Vinyl is a great entry-level, budget-friendly option that will check all of the “need” boxes and even some of the “want” boxes.
• Moisture resistance: Stands up to spring thaws and summer humidity without rotting or swelling
• Energy efficiency: Insulated vinyl siding options provide additional R-value, helping reduce those winter heating bills
• Low maintenance: No need to repaint or restain, even after harsh Ottawa winters
• Affordability: Most budget-friendly option with manufacturer warranties up to 50 years

“We’ve installed vinyl siding on hundreds of Ottawa homes,” says Alex H., Kovar Contracting’s siding foreman. “Our clients appreciate its reliability through our harsh winters and the minimal maintenance required year after year.”

Fibre Cement Siding: Durability for Ottawa’s Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Ottawa’s frequent freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on home exteriors. Fibre cement siding, a specialty of Kovar Contracting, offers superior protection:

• Freeze-thaw resistance: Won’t crack or deteriorate during Ottawa’s temperature fluctuations
• Fire resistance: Critical protection during dry summer months
• Authentic wood appearance: Beautiful aesthetic without the maintenance headaches
• Dimensional stability: Maintains its shape despite seasonal moisture changes
• Long-term durability: Typically comes with 50-year warranties, perfect for Ottawa’s challenging conditions
• Kovar’s Best option for a premium product with a semi-premium price

“For clients looking for exceptional longevity, fibre cement is often our top recommendation,” explains Jason Kovar. “The upfront investment pays dividends over decades of worry-free protection.”

Wood Siding: Timeless Appeal with Special Considerations

Wood siding offers unmatched character but requires special attention in Ottawa’s climate:

• Natural beauty: Enhances heritage homes and craftsman-style architecture throughout Ottawa neighbourhoods
• Natural insulation: Provides additional thermal protection during cold Ottawa winters
• Renewable resource: Environmentally friendly option when sourced responsibly
• Higher maintenance: Requires regular upkeep to withstand Ottawa’s seasonal moisture changes
• Historic appeal: Perfect for homes in Ottawa’s established neighbourhoods

Alex H. and the Kovar Contracting team have extensive experience working with wood siding on historic Ottawa homes. “We understand the special considerations required for wood siding in our climate,” notes Alex. “With proper installation and maintenance, wood siding can last generations.”

Metal Siding: Modern Protection for Extreme Conditions

Modern metal siding has gained popularity in Ottawa for its exceptional performance:

• Snow and ice resistance: Sheds winter precipitation effectively
• Wind resistance: Stands up to the Ottawa Valley’s occasional high winds
• Contemporary aesthetics: Perfect for modern homes in Ottawa’s newer developments
• Energy efficiency: Reflects summer heat and can incorporate insulation for winter
• Minimal maintenance: Ideal for busy Ottawa homeowners

“Metal siding installations have increased significantly in recent years,” says Jason Kovar. “Especially for our clients in more exposed areas of the Ottawa Valley who want maximum durability with minimal upkeep.”

Why Professional Siding Installation from Kovar Contracting Matters in Ottawa

Ottawa’s Climate Demands Proper Installation

Amateur siding installation can lead to serious problems in Ottawa’s harsh climate:

1. Improper spacing: Ottawa’s temperature swings require precise expansion gaps to prevent buckling
2. Inadequate insulation: Proper installation includes appropriate house wrap and insulation is crucial for Ottawa winters
3. Water infiltration risks: Our spring thaws and heavy rains can find even the smallest installation errors
4. Cold air penetration: Improperly sealed seams become significant heat loss points during -30°C days

“These aren’t just theoretical concerns,” explains Alex H., who leads Kovar Contracting’s siding crews. “We regularly repair siding that was improperly installed by less experienced contractors or DIY attempts. The damage from water infiltration alone can cost thousands to repair.”

Energy Efficiency Considerations for Ottawa Homes

Ottawa’s energy costs make proper siding installation even more critical:

• Thermal bridging prevention: Kovar Contracting addresses potential heat loss areas
• Proper insulation integration: Our experts ensure continuous insulation beneath siding
• Sealed penetrations: All utility entries properly weatherproofed
• Reduced heating costs: Properly installed siding and continuous rigid insulation can reduce winter heating bills by up to 20%

“Energy efficiency isn’t just about the environment—it’s about comfort and cost savings,” says Jason Kovar. “Our clients often report significant reductions in their heating bills after we’ve completed their siding projects and simply feel like the home is cozier.”

The Kovar Contracting Difference

When you choose Kovar Contracting for your siding project, you benefit from:

• Local expertise: Founded and operated in Ottawa, we understand local climate challenges better than anyone
• Craftsman-led installation: Siding foreman Alex H. personally oversees every installation
• Owner involvement: Jason Kovar remains hands-on with projects to ensure quality
• Proven process: Our systematic approach ensures no detail is overlooked
• Extended warranties: We stand behind our workmanship for years to come

“What separates us from other contractors is our attention to detail,” says Alex H. “We approach each home as if it were our own, taking the time to do things right. Just read our reviews, which call us out by name.”

Protect Your Ottawa Home with Kovar Contracting’s Expert Siding Installation

With Ottawa’s extreme temperature swings—from -30°C winters to 30°C summers—your home’s siding is its first line of defence. Kovar Contracting ensures that whichever material you choose performs at its best for decades to come.

Contact Jason Kovar and the Kovar Contracting team today for a free estimate on the replacement of your home’s siding. We serve Ottawa and surrounding communities, including Kanata, Orleans, Barrhaven, Stittsville, Kemptville, Carleton Place, Perth, Smiths Falls, and across the Ottawa Valley.

As the snow melts and warmer weather embraces our neighborhoods, many of us in Ottawa and surrounding areas eagerly dive into spring cleaning and home maintenance. While you’re checking off those seasonal to-dos, I’d like to share something we often see overlooked in even the most well-cared-for homes—your attic’s ability to breathe.

A properly ventilated attic isn’t just another maintenance item; it’s the silent guardian of your home’s health and your family’s comfort. At Kovar Contracting, we’ve helped countless neighbors transform stuffy, overheated attics into properly functioning systems that protect your entire home. Let me explain why this matters so much to you and your family.

What Does a “Breathing” Attic Really Mean for Your Home?

Think of your attic like your home’s lungs. When it breathes properly, cool, fresh air flows in through the soffits (those vents tucked under your roof’s overhang), while warm, moisture-laden air escapes through ridge vents or roof vents. This continuous, gentle airflow keeps everything in balance.

“I’ve walked into attics where you can immediately feel the difference,” shares Jason Kovar, who founded our company with a passion for doing things right. “Proper ventilation isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your biggest investment: your home. It safeguards your roof, preserves your insulation, and helps your whole house run efficiently. It’s truly one of those simple changes that makes an enormous difference for families.”

Why Spring is the Perfect Time to Check Your Ventilation

As our Ottawa days grow warmer, that sunshine beating down on your roof can heat your attic to a scorching 150°F (65°C) without proper ventilation. This extreme heat:

• Forces your air conditioning to work harder, increasing your monthly bills when you’d rather spend that money elsewhere
• Gradually damages your shingles from underneath, shortening the life of your roof investment
• Creates the perfect environment for unwelcome mold growth as humid air becomes trapped
• Breaks down your insulation over time, making your entire home less comfortable and efficient

Many homeowners don’t realize that spring is actually the ideal time to address ventilation—before summer heat waves arrive and while the attic is accessible and comfortable to work in.

How We Can Help Your Family

At Kovar Contracting, we treat your home like our own, with a thorough approach to attic health:

• Personalized Ventilation Assessments – We’ll carefully evaluate your current system and identify potential concerns before they develop into costly problems.
• Custom Vent Solutions – Every home is unique, and we design airflow solutions tailored specifically to your home’s architecture and needs.
• Insulation Harmony – We ensure your ventilation and insulation work together as partners, rather than against each other.
• Moisture Protection – Our team carefully checks for early signs of moisture issues and offers straightforward solutions to keep your attic dry and healthy.

Scott, our experienced insulation foreman, often tells homeowners: “I’ve seen beautiful homes with premium insulation that’s been completely compromised because the attic couldn’t breathe properly. When we balance both ventilation and insulation, families immediately notice the difference in comfort throughout their entire home.”

How to Tell If Your Attic Needs Attention

Your home might be trying to tell you something if you notice:

• Certain rooms feel too hot while others stay comfortable
• Your air conditioning seems to run constantly during summer
• Ice dams form along your roof edges during winter
• The air feels unusually humid in upper floors
• You spot discoloration or rusty nail heads in your attic space

Let’s Help Your Home Breathe Easy This Spring

Taking care of your attic’s ventilation is one of those rare home improvements that offers immediate comfort and long-term protection. Before summer arrives, I’d love to help ensure your home is ready to keep your family comfortable while protecting your roof investment.

📞 I invite you to reach out today to schedule a ventilation inspection or learn more about our attic and roofing services!

The Importance of Regular Gutter Cleaning

When was the last time you gave your gutters a thorough cleaning? While it might not be the most exciting home maintenance task, your gutters play a vital role in protecting your home from the elements. Neglecting them can lead to costly and time-consuming repairs down the line.

Why Gutter Cleaning Matters

Your home’s eavestroughs are responsible for directing water off the roof and away from the foundation, ensuring the structural integrity of both your roof and home remain intact. However, when gutters become clogged with leaves, dirt, and debris, they can no longer function properly. Water can pool, leading to leaks, water damage, and even foundation issues.

Blocked gutters can also become a breeding ground for pests such as mice, birds, and insects, which can pose additional risks to both your home and health. Moreover, during winter, trapped ice and snow can add excessive weight to your roof, increasing the likelihood of damage.

When Should You Clean Your Gutters?

The best time to clean your gutters is at the beginning of winter, after the fall season has left behind accumulated debris. Cleaning your gutters at least twice a year—once in the fall and again in the spring—ensures that they remain in good working condition year-round.

The Risks of Neglecting Gutter Maintenance

Failing to clean your gutters can lead to several serious issues, including:

• Water Damage: Blocked gutters can cause rainwater to overflow, leading to damage to your home’s siding, attic, and even foundation.
• Basement Flooding: Overflowing water can seep into your basement, creating costly repair needs and potential mold growth.
• Roof Damage: Excess moisture trapped in clogged gutters can lead to rot, leaks, and premature roof wear.
• Landscape Erosion: Uncontrolled water runoff can wash away soil, mulch, and plants, disrupting your landscaping efforts.

The Benefits of Professional Gutter Cleaning

While DIY gutter cleaning is an option, it can be time-consuming and risky. Climbing up and down ladders, removing debris, and ensuring proper drainage can be challenging. That’s where professional gutter cleaning services come in.

At Kovar Contracting, our expert team has the knowledge, training, and tools needed to clean and maintain your gutters efficiently. With our help, you can ensure your gutters remain in peak condition without the hassle and risk of handling it yourself.

Schedule Your Gutter Cleaning Today

Don’t wait until clogged gutters lead to expensive repairs. Contact Kovar Contracting today for a professional gutter cleaning service. Our experienced team is ready to help you protect your home with thorough, efficient, and hassle-free maintenance. Request a free, no-obligation quote today!