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Snow and freezing temperatures can lead to the formation of ice dams on your roof. In turn, as snow melts, ice dams can block water from draining off your roof, resulting in leaks that can damage shingles, framing, siding, walls, ceilings, and insulation.
The weight of ice dams and snow can also damage roofs and gutters. In addition, ice dam roof leaks, even when not visible, can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Below, we identify causes of ice dams, what you can do to prevent and remove ice dams, and how your insurer can help.
What is an ice dam — and what causes it?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that most commonly forms at the edge of a roof and blocks rain and melting snow from draining properly. Ice dams can also form along roof valleys, skylights, vents, and chimneys.
Ice dams form when one part of your roof is above freezing and a lower area—often the eave that overhangs your house—is below freezing. Snow melts where the roof is warmer and then refreezes at the lower, colder portion of the roof, creating an ice dam.
The main source of heat warming your roof is usually heat escaping from your living space into the attic. Insufficient attic insulation, poor ventilation, leaky ductwork, and recessed lighting can all cause the roof to warm and lead to ice dams.
Warning signs your roof has an ice dam
It’s important to look for signs of ice dams to prevent or minimize damage. Common signs of ice dam formation include:
- Large icicles hanging from your roofline or gutters, especially if they are not visible on other parts of your home or neighboring homes,
- Visible ridges of ice at the edge of the roof,
- Exposed patches of roof on otherwise snow-covered roofs,
- Water stains or bubbling paint on your ceilings,
- Damp spots on your exterior walls, and
- Gutters that are sagging or pulling away from the house.
Hire a professional to remove ice dams from your roof
If an ice dam has formed on your roof, you should take quick action to remove it before it results in damage to your home.
Removing ice dams on your own can lead to injury and risks damaging your roof. The best, safest path forward is to hire an experienced, insured professional. Under no circumstances should you climb on your roof to use an axe, shovel, or other tools to remove ice dams.
Steam is the preferred method for ice dam removal. While chemical ice melting products can create channels in ice dams for water to flow off your roof, they can damage roofing materials and harm landscaping.
Ice dam prevention tips
You can help protect your roof and home’s interior by considering the following steps, along with consulting a professional, to prevent ice dams from forming:
Remove snow with a roof rake.
Working from ground level, a long-handled roof rake can be used to keep freshly fallen snow clear from the bottom part of the roof where ice dams have occurred in the past. Be sure to stand clear of falling snow and icicles.
Seal air leaks to your attic.
Stop warm air from escaping into your attic by having a professional seal gaps around vents, pipes, light fixtures, and access doors leading to your attic.
Improve ventilation.
Warm air needs to exit your attic to keep the roof cold in winter. Be sure your attic is sufficiently ventilated with gable-end vents or unobstructed ridge and soffit vents.
Upgrade your attic’s insulation.
As needed, have insulation added or enhanced to your attic’s floor. Make sure your insulation is properly rated for your climate.
Improve exhaust systems.
Kitchen and bathroom fans should vent to the outside, not the attic, preferably through a wall rather than the roof. Dryer exhaust should also lead out through the side of your house.
Enclose or relocate heating equipment.
Your furnace and other heating equipment should not be located in an unfinished attic. If possible, the equipment should be relocated. Otherwise, a separate room or insulated enclosure should be built around the heating equipment to reduce residual heat from warming the roof.
Install ice and water shield.
If you are having your home reroofed or are building a new home, consider having an ice and water shield installed as part of your roof. This waterproof barrier, which seals around nails, adds extra protection against leaks from ice dams.
Install deicing cables.
Self-regulating heat cables installed on the edge of your roof and in your gutters and downspouts can prevent ice dams from forming and keep water flowing.
Schedule an energy audit or inspection.
Hire a professional home energy auditor to find air leaks that heat your roof and cause ice dams to form. A general contractor or home inspector can also help determine the cause of ice dams and the best solutions. Your insurer, code enforcement officer, or realtor may be able to recommend vendors in your area.
Frequently asked questions
You should be concerned when you see thick ice build up at the roof edge followed by a period of melting. If you notice interior leaks or moisture on your walls, the dam has already started to cause damage.
A roof rake is the safest and most effective tool for clearing snow before a dam forms. If ice has already built up, contact an insured professional to remove the ice dam with steam.
Professional removal usually takes two to four hours depending on the size and extent of the ice dams.
In most cases, roofers are not responsible for ice dams. Ice dams are caused by heat loss from inside the home, not by the roof installation itself. If a roofer improperly installed insulation or vents as part of their work, they may bear responsibility for damage. Work with your insurer’s claims team to determine the cause of damage and remediation steps.
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This document is advisory in nature and is offered as a resource to be used together with your professional insurance advisors in maintaining a loss prevention program. It is an overview only, and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with your insurance broker, or for legal, engineering or other professional advice.
Chubb is the marketing name used to refer to subsidiaries of Chubb Limited providing insurance and related services. For a list of these subsidiaries, please visit our website at www.chubb.com. Insurance provided by ACE American Insurance Company and its U.S. based Chubb underwriting company affiliates. All products may not be available in all states. This communication contains product summaries only. Coverage is subject to the language of the policies as actually issued. Surplus lines insurance sold only through licensed surplus lines producers. Chubb, 202 Hall's Mill Road, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889-1600.