Ice Dams and Winter Roof Leaks: What to Do Now, and How to Hire a Roofer

What Causes Ice Dams and What to Do Now

Ice dams begin when warm air from your home leaks into the attic. This warm air melts snow on your roof from underneath, as the Minnesota Department of Commerce explains. The melted water flows down the roof until it reaches a colder part, like the eaves or soffit, where it refreezes. This creates a barrier of ice, called an ice dam. Over time, more ice and water can build up behind this dam. This water can then seep under your shingles and into your home, causing damage.

If you have snow on your roof, one way to help prevent ice dams is to remove the snow. You can use a snow rake from the ground. However, the Minnesota Department of Commerce says it may be best to hire a professional snow remover, especially if the job requires a ladder or getting onto the roof. Always put safety first.

If water is already leaking into your home from an ice dam, the Minnesota Department of Commerce recommends hiring a professional ice dam removal service that uses steam. Do not try to remove ice by chipping, using chemicals, or applying heat, as these can damage your roof shingles and gutters. Do not install heating cables, as they can shorten your roof’s life and increase energy costs.

Dealing with Your Insurance Claim

If an ice dam causes water to enter your home, you will likely need to file an insurance claim. The Connecticut Insurance Department offers these tips for winter damage claims:

• Contact your insurer. Call your insurance company’s claims phone number as soon as you can. Provide your policy number and any other requested information.
• Document the damage. Take photographs or video of all damaged areas.
• Make temporary repairs. Do only what is needed to prevent more damage from happening. For example, you might place a tarp over a damaged area or put buckets under a leak.
• Do not make permanent repairs yet. Wait until your insurance company has inspected the damage.
• Save all receipts. Keep receipts for any temporary repairs you make.
• Keep a diary. Write down the date, time, and details of every conversation, email, or other contact you have with your insurance company.

As general guidelines, the Connecticut Insurance Department says that interior or exterior damage caused by an ice dam is usually covered by homeowners insurance. However, many policies do not pay for the cost of removing the ice dam itself. Also, homeowners insurance typically does not cover injuries you might get while removing snow. Professional snow removal services should have their own insurance to cover their workers. To understand exactly what your policy covers, speak with your insurance company or agent.

Preventing Future Ice Dams

The main reason ice dams form is because warm air from your home leaks into your attic. The Minnesota Department of Commerce states that the best way to prevent ice dams is to find and seal these leaks. This, combined with proper attic insulation, helps keep your attic cold and stops snow from melting from below.

An advanced home energy assessment, also known as an audit, is an important step. The Minnesota Department of Commerce says these assessments often use tools like infrared cameras to find exactly where warm air is escaping into your attic. You can often arrange for an assessment through your local utility company, a nonprofit energy group, or an HVAC professional.

After identifying problem areas, you will need to seal air leaks and add insulation. ENERGY STAR says that attic air sealing can be a challenging do-it-yourself project. It recommends hiring a professional if you find certain conditions in your attic, which are listed in the next section.

How to Hire a Contractor

Once you know what work needs to be done, such as air sealing and insulation, get bids from at least two licensed contractors, as recommended by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. When choosing a contractor, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises:

• Check licenses and insurance. Only consider contractors who are licensed and insured. Confirm their license with your state or county government and ask for proof of insurance.
• Get a written contract. Even if your state doesn’t require it, ask for a clear, written agreement. This contract should cover who is doing the work, what work will be done, where it will be done, when it will be done, and the total cost.
• Understand payment terms. The FTC advises against paying the full amount upfront. Some states limit how much a contractor can ask for as a down payment. Never make the final payment until all the work is completed and you are satisfied with it.

When this advice may not fit

This advice may not fit if your situation involves specific hazards or complex repairs. You should always hire a qualified professional if you find any of these conditions in your attic, as noted by ENERGY STAR:

• Difficult access or limited space to work.
• Wet or damp insulation, which can mean a leaky roof.
• Moldy or rotted rafters or floor joists.
• Kitchen, bathroom, or clothes dryer vents that exhaust moist air into the attic instead of outside.
• Little or no attic ventilation.
• Old knob and tube wiring, which can be a fire hazard if it touches insulation.
• Vermiculite insulation, which may contain asbestos. Do not disturb it unless it has been tested by an approved lab.
• Appliances that use oil or gas. A home performance contractor should test that these appliances properly vent combustion gases before and after air sealing.

Also, always hire a qualified professional for any work involving gas lines, your electrical panel, your roof, or structural parts of your home. Do not attempt lead or asbestos removal yourself. For specific questions about your insurance policy and coverage, always contact your insurance company or a state agency like the Connecticut Insurance Department.