Tips for Preventing Ice Dams and Property Damage Offered by Nation’s Leading Public Adjusters

Many parts of the country have experienced record snowfall amounts and extreme cold temperatures this winter.  It is during this time of year that freezing temperatures can allow a ridge of ice to form on the edge of a roof.  This is known as an ice dam and when they occur they can allow water to back up behind it and leak into a home or building.  The end result is water damage that is frequently followed by mold growth.

According to the U.S. Government’s Energy Star Program website, “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 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 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. Frequently the result will be a water spot on the ceiling under the roof damage.”

Fortunately, ice dams can often be prevented by controlling heat loss from the building into the attic.  To keep warm and moist air from entering the attic space from the interior of the building, any air leakage pathways should be sealed and the attic needs to be properly insulated. Proper attic ventilation will also help to keep a uniform roof temperature. Vented appliances should be exhausted to outside of the building and not into the attic and gutters need to be clean and operational to allow water to properly drain off the roof.

If an ice dam does occur, it can cause water to quickly leak into a building resulting in staining, water damage and mold growth.  It can cause considerable damage and mold growth that can impact the building’s indoor air quality. Often the mold growth can be out of sight, but even mold growing above ceilings and in wall cavities can create health concerns.  For those who have damage due to an ice dam, the licensed public adjusters from Hudson Douglas can quickly help them obtain the most accurate and complete settlement for their property claim so their residential or commercial property can be properly repaired.