They can damage shingles, the gutter system, attic insulation, and drywall. If left untreated, ice accumulations can even cause mold and mildew to grow. We'll look at how ice dams form, the damage they can cause, and how to prevent them. Excessive snow on the roof, condensation in the attic, and ice buildup can cause 26% roof water damage and personal injury.
Ice dams can cause different types of damage. If the water from the melted snow continues to flow, the water accumulates and eventually falls back onto the roof surface. The water pool can go under the shingles and into the house, causing damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas. Sometimes, the ice dam can also damage the roof cover.
We spoke with Daryl, with Gutter Cleaning Columbia MO and he said that "The water can also continue to freeze again, causing a large amount of ice to build up in the gutters. This build-up can cause a weight problem, as gutters collapse due to ice buildup. Ice deposits can cause serious damage to your home. If left untreated, they can tear out the gutters, loosen the shingles, and cause water to build up under those shingles and drain into your home."
While stopping a water leak or repairing a washing machine hose in the basement can be quite simple, snow on the roof, ice dams, and attic condensation are forms of water damage typical of cold-climate homes and are a little more complicated and a little more difficult to fix. Damage caused as a result of ice dams is not one of the specified hazards, so personal property damage is not covered unless specific coverage is added to the policy. If you can see icicles that weigh on gutters and snow accumulating behind them, especially with leaks in the attic, you may have an ice dam. Ice deposits form when indoor heating rises through the roof to the attic and heats the roof surface.
Talk to your local construction official about the minimum code requirements for the protection of ice dams and consult a qualified roofing or insulation specialist for recommendations tailored to your situation. What to do if you have an ice dam Large icicles that extend from eaves and gutters are often signs of an ice dam. Suitable weather conditions for ice dams are usually when the outside air temperature is 20° F (20° F) for several days with several centimeters of snow on the roof. Building codes have some requirements that attempt to prevent the problems of ice dams and the condensation of attics.
Cutting ice prey with a hammer, chisel, or shovel is bad for the roof and dangerous for you. As the ice dam is built, it could block the gutters and cause water to be unable to drain, creating an even larger ice dam and pools of water that can reach the roof and walls and cause significant damage. If you're wondering how to fix an ice dam on the roof, here's how you can avoid them completely or remove them if they've already formed. Most of the time, the damage is not visible, unless the ice dam has reached the point of causing the house to leak.
Depending on the circumstances and your insurance provider, homeowners insurance may not cover the removal of an ice dam.
