Ice Dam Damage
Ice Dam Damage Control
Ice dam damage is not only costly it can become a health problem if the leak continues and mold grows.
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. Figure 1 shows a cross section of a home with an ice dam. This article will address how to prevent ice dams.
How Ice Dams Form
Ice dams form when there is snow on the roof and freezing temperatures.
Ice dams usually occur after a heavy snowfall and several days of freezing temperatures. Warm air inside your home leaks into the attic and will warm the underside of the roof causing snow and ice on the roof to melt.
The most likely causes of ice dams are due to heat loss, air leakage and the general warming of the house structure due to conduction from the heated building.
The melted water will drain along the roof, under the snow, until it reaches the cold overhang. The overhang tends to be at the same temperature [below 32 degrees] as the outdoors and the melted water will refreeze and form an ice dam and icicles. The ice dam can cause damage to the roof, which will result in water leaks to the inside.
The water back ups and finds cracks and openings in the roofing and then flows into the house. The result is water spots or dripping water on the ceiling under the roofing, resulting in ice dam damage inside the home.
Immediate action:
1. Remove snow from the roof. This eliminates one of the ingredients necessary for the formation of an ice dam. A “roof rake” can be used to remove snow.
2. In an emergency situation where water is flowing into the house structure, making channels through the ice dam allows the water behind the dam to drain off the roof. Snow melt can also be used to facilitate these channels. DO NOT walk on any snow covered roofs!
Read my article removing ice dams
Insurance Claims:
Many folks do not realize they can make a claim for water damage. The question to ask; does it make sense to make the claim or just fix the issue?
To make a claim you need to contact your insurance provider and speak with the adjuster, be prepared to provide:
- Photos of the damaged area claimed.
- A written estimate, from a contractor, for the repairs needed. Estimates should include a description of the work needed, and a breakdown of the costs by materials and labor.
- Materials should be those of the same like, kind and quality of those being repaired.
- If contents damage is being claimed, photos of the damaged property should be provided as well. Provide them with the replacement costs for each item claimed. A description should be provided and include; make/model, size, material and what the item is.
- If you find evidence of mold they will want you to contact them immediately and most likely will assign an adjuster to inspect the site to assist you in moving your claim forward. You will have to look at your homeowners insurance to see if it will cover mold. Be careful, a mold claim can have a permanent effect on your ability to get insurance later.