What an Ice Dam Does to a Roof

Ice dams form when heat escaping through the attic melts snow on the upper roof. The meltwater runs down and refreezes at the cold eaves. The ice builds a dam, and water backs up under the shingles and into the house. The result can be stained ceilings, wet insulation and rotted framing.

What We Do

We inspect the roof, find where water gets in, and repair it. That can mean replacing damaged shingles, resealing or replacing flashing, and fixing the weak points an ice dam exposed. If the roof is near the end of its life, we tell you whether a repair makes sense or a replacement is the better choice.

What We Do Not Do

We do not offer roof snow removal or ice chipping at this time. Chipping at an ice dam can crack shingles. Heavy ice can also pull gutters off the house, so clearing icicles is not a casual job. If you need ice or snow cleared from your roof, hire a company that does that work, and call us about the leak or the damage.

Permanent Fixes for Ice Dams

Ice dams are an attic and ventilation problem more than a roof problem. The lasting fixes are enough attic insulation, balanced intake and exhaust ventilation, and ice and water shield along the eaves and valleys. We look at the roof side of this during a repair or a replacement. Attic insulation is a separate trade, and we will say so if that is the real cause.

Insurance and Ice Dam Damage

Coverage depends on your policy and on how the damage happened. Many policies cover water damage inside the home but not the cost of removing the ice dam itself. Take dated photos of the roof and the ceiling before anything is repaired. Read your policy or call your agent before you file.

Emergency Response

If water is coming into your home, call (440) 645-2003. We respond to emergency calls within 36 hours. Evening and Saturday availability varies, so call early and say how fast the water is coming in.