After months of snow, ice, and cold, the promise of spring is before us!  Unfortunately, there may have been some damage to your home in getting here.  Sometimes, despite best efforts, ice dams form and damage your roof.  But spring is here and it’s time to recover from the havoc of ice dams.

The best possible way to recover from an ice dam is to not have one form in the first place.  There are a number of steps you can take to prevent them.  This is the perfect time to make any adjustments to your home as the weather is warming up and it’s still fresh on your mind.  Here are just a few things to consider doing:

  • Heated cables along roof’s edge to equalize temperature.
  • Fan in the attic aimed at areas where the water is leaking (to freeze it and stop leak).
  • Installing chimney flashing
  • Clean gutters
  • Really worried? Bring in a contractor to evaluate/make improvement suggestions

There are times, particularly in places that get a lot of snow, where ice dams will still form.  When this happens, there can be various consequences.  In a worst case scenario, an ice dam can cause water leaks into your home.  It can get insulation wet, cause paint to peel, and ceilings to crack.  In long term cases, mold and mildew can form.  Ice dams can also have adverse effects on your roof.  It can damage shingles and become a costly problem.

Does insurance cover damage caused by ice dams?  Insurance can get a bit tricky on this one.  It is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain their home’s upkeep.  This means getting snow removed from your roof, or making sure your attic is properly insulated.  But, things do happen.  Each insurance claim is unique and it will be up to the insurance company’s discretion on whether the issue will be covered or not.  Keep in mind that if you do decide to file a claim, avoid making too many repairs before an adjuster can check out the damage.  The job of an adjuster is to assess the damage and see how much money is appropriate for your unique situation.  If you make too many repairs before the adjuster evaluates your home, you could end up paying more money out of pocket.  Also be aware the insurance does not cover mold!  If you have a mold problem, make sure to get it treated right away as it can be extremely dangerous!

So what do you do if you find yourself with ice dam damage? Check out your attic.  The reason ice dams form is that warm air leaks into the attic and causes snow to melt.  But as the melted water moves down the roof, the cold outside temperatures cause it to refreeze.  This is why large icicles may form on eves.  If you can prevent your attic from getting warm, then it is far less likely that ice dams will form.  Look for potential air leaks, gaps in insulation, and add ventilation.  Calling in a professional can make the process easier and safer for you. 

If ice dams have done damage to your roof, you may have to pay for roof repairs, which could be costly.  However, it will be necessary to prevent leaks and further damage. Though some repair costs can be expensive upfront, it will be worth the investment, especially when you are warm and cozy next winter.