Paul Dreher Director of Personal Insurance View Bio

Ice dams formed in roof gutters and eaves are a common but potentially costly problem. One indicator of ice dams are icicles. Icicles may look pretty in the wintertime, but the ice dams causing them can cause a backup of melting water resulting it to pool on the roof and find pathways into a home.

The heavy ice formed around a roof’s edge can cause significant damage to the interior and exterior of a home by tearing off gutters, loosening shingles, and potentially causing water to seep into your home. This means potential for warped floors, peeling paint, rot, and a number of other problems.

Bottom line, ice dams are bad. However, they can be prevented by keeping your attic cool in the winter. Properly insulating the floor of your attic will help prevent warm air from seeping in and raising the temperature of the roof enough to melt the snow. Following these tips can also help prevent ice dams:

  • Inspect the attic and roof and repair cracks or holes that will permit warm air to escape.
  • Add insulation to exterior walls and attic to prevent escaping heat.
  • Add rubberized or special roofing adhesives to help prevent pooled water from finding its way to the home interior.
  • Turn down the thermostat to keep temperatures cool and put on an extra layer of clothing.
  • Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris in the fall, before freezing temps occur.

Additionally, clearing excess snow from the roof will prevent ice dams but it can be dangerous and is best left to a hired professional.

Lawley is committed to protecting homes in the event of damage due to risk exposures. If you’d like to speak to a Lawley representative further about risk management or home insurance, contact us here.