Ice dams may sound like something from a frozen fairy tale, but the damage they can cause to your roof is very real. They’re the nasty collaboration between a warm house and a chilly winter on your roof.
But everyone knows that a stitch in time saves nine—or, in this case, a well-insulated roof could save you nine thousand dollars in repairs. It’s easy to search for “roof ice removal near me” and have the problem eliminated, but what happens with the damage that could be uncovered beneath the ice?
What Are Ice Dams, and How Do They Form?
An ice dam is what happens when your roof and Mother Nature work together to build a wall. They form when heat escapes from your home, melting the snow on the roof, which refreezes along its edge and creates a solid ridge of ice.
Ice dams block the snow that continues to melt from running off the roof and into the gutters, and the problem feeds on itself, getting worse the bigger the ice dam grows.
Types of Damage Ice Dams Can Cause
Ice dams can cause all sorts of damage—and not just the types you may be suspecting.
Water can back up under the shingles. When it refreezes, it lifts the shingles and can cause them to crack or pull out of place.
Melted snow that seeps under your roof’s shingles can also infiltrate your home’s interior, leading to leaks, which can damage anything from insulation to walls to ceilings. And yes, those repairs are costly—think upwards of $2,000 for a full insulation replacement. No thanks.
That beautiful snowfall outside could be turning your living room into a winter wonderland—but it’s far better to swap real snow for those festive paper flakes in the house.
In severe cases, the weight of ice can cause parts of your roof to collapse, leading to major structural issues and—you guessed it—more money. An ice dam on your roof could be like having a heavyweight champion sitting on your ceiling—sooner or later, something has to give.
Will My Insurance Cover Ice Dam Damage?
Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage from ice dams. The typical policy, called an HO-3, protects your home and belongings and provides liability coverage.
So, thankfully, when it comes to damage from ice dams, your insurance policy can step in like a knight in shining armor, ready to save you from your rooftop’s frosty siege. It will typically cover you for:
- Roof repairs for shingles or ice buildup,
- Structural damage like sagging ceilings or compromised support beams and
- Personal property damage from leaks caused by ice dams.
So, don’t worry, too much—if your attic starts looking more like an indoor swimming pool, your insurance company will likely help you dry things out.
When Is Ice Dam Damage Not Covered?
Just keep in mind that not all types of damage are covered, especially if the insurance company finds evidence of poor maintenance or pre-existing issues. Regular leaks, neglected gutters, or missing shingles may tip them off that the roof had other issues going on.
The extent of the damage to your roof from ice dams can be partially attributed to this, so if your roof is already about to throw in the towel, your insurance may not be so quick to step in and help out.
Should I File a Claim if I Have Ice Dam Damage?
You can decide whether to file an ice dam damage claim for your home by considering the severity of the damage. For minor damage and small leaks, it may make more sense to pay out of pocket than to file a claim. That’s because multiple claims can raise your premiums or even make it harder to get coverage in the future.
Preventing Ice Dams
The best way to avoid wondering whether your homeowner’s insurance covers damage from ice dams is to not let them form in the first place. A little bit of work to prevent them can save you from a whole lot of icy frustration. Here’s how you could prevent them:
- Keep gutters clear
- Seal leaks in the attic
- Properly insulate your home
- Remove snow from the roof right away
- Have regular roof inspections
You might even want to consider hiring a roofing professional to inspect your roof before winter hits. They can tell you about your attic’s ventilation and roof’s design to diagnose its risk of ice dam formation. Especially with all the snow and ice each winter here in Utah, roofing contractors can even suggest what you may be able to do to avoid ice dams.
Final Thoughts
Ice dams may make your home look like a sweet gingerbread house with icicles hanging down, but they’re actually a homeowner’s nightmare. Knowing what’s covered in your insurance and what’s not can save you a ton of trouble in the future.
So be proactive when it comes to maintaining your roof—care for its shingles, gutters, and eaves. Every element plays a part in its overall health. Check your insurance policy proactively so that you’re ready for what comes with a plan in mind.
Keep an eye on your roof during the winter months and call in emergency ice dam removal if you need it. Winter may be coming, but with the right preparation and coverage, you can keep your roof from turning into an insurmountable wall of cold.