How to Prevent & Remove Ice Dams

Ice dams are a common and costly issue for homeowners in colder climates. According to the Insurance Information Institute, ice dams and related damage contribute significantly to winter insurance claims, with the average claim for water damage and freezing hovering around $10,900. These figures highlight the importance of taking preventive measures for ice dam prevention to protect your home from the potentially severe damage they can cause.

Below, we dive into what an ice dam is, how to prevent them from accumulating on your property, and the steps you can take to remove an ice dam if you do encounter one.

What is an Ice Dam?

Ice dams form when snow accumulates on the slanted roof of your house and the warmer attic air melts the snow over the living space of your home but does not melt snow and ice that exist on your roof overhang.  The melting snow and ice run down your eaves and into the gutters.  This pattern of snow melt and refreezing continues to the point where your gutter cannot hold any more thawed snow and begins to back up and pool under your roof covering, leaking into your attic and along the exterior walls of your home.  This water can cause damage to exterior walls requiring replacement of insulation, drywall or plaster and wall coverings.  If the damage takes place repeatedly or over a long period of time, your wall framing can rot and mold can develop.

6 Key Steps for Ice Dam Prevention

1. Ensure Adequate Insulation: Proper insulation in the attic prevents heat buildup, reducing the risk of snow melting and refreezing on your roof.

2. Seal Openings: Identify and seal any openings that allow heated air to bypass insulation and enter the attic, maintaining a consistent temperature.

3. Improve Ventilation: Enhance attic ventilation to keep the space cool and remove unwanted moisture, helping to keep attic temperatures below freezing when outside temperatures are also below freezing.

4. Avoid Installing Large Equipment in Attics: Do not place large mechanical equipment such as furnaces or water heaters in the attic, as they can significantly raise attic temperatures and accelerate snow melting.

5. Use Ice and Water Shield Membranes: When replacing your roof, ensure ice and water shield membranes are installed to prevent melting snow from getting under the roof decking. Many building codes now require these in cold-weather climates.

What to Do if You Have an Ice Dam

1. Call a Professional: Contact a professional to safely remove the snow and ice from your roof. Professionals have the right tools and experience to handle ice dams without damaging your roof.

2. Use a Roof Rake: If you decide to handle minor snow removal yourself, use a roof rake from the ground to gently pull snow off the roof. This can help prevent the formation of an ice dam without causing damage.

3. Apply Calcium Chloride: If a professional recommends it, you can use calcium chloride ice melt in a stocking or cloth bag. Place it vertically on the ice dam to help melt the ice and allow water to flow off the roof. Avoid using rock salt, as it can damage your roof and gutters.

4. Check for Leaks: Monitor your attic and the interior walls of your home for any signs of water damage. If you detect leaks, take immediate action to minimize damage and contact your insurance provider to report the issue.

What Not To Do If You Have an Ice Dam

1. Avoid DIY Snow and Ice Removal: Do not attempt to remove snow or chip away at the ice buildup yourself, as this can damage shingles. Hire a professional for safe removal.

2. Stay Off the Roof: Do not climb onto the roof to clear the ice dam or remove snow due to the risk of slipping and falling.

3. Do Not Use Salt or Chemicals: Avoid using salt or snow melting chemicals on the roof, as they can be corrosive and damage metal gutters, downspouts, flashing, and nearby landscaping.

The Central Difference: Proper Coverage is Key

At Central Insurance, we understand the importance of protecting your home from the costly damage ice dams can cause. Having a comprehensive commercial property insurance or homeowner’s insurance policy that includes general liability coverage is essential to safeguard your business or house from the financial impacts of such incidents.

Business looking to reduce their risk of ice-related incidents should consider engaging with Central’s team of loss control experts, who can provide you with the guidance you need to keep your property safe. What’s more, if you’re ready to take the next step in protecting your property from weather-related damage, be sure to get in touch with one of Central’s agent partners to learn more about our tailored insurance solutions designed to keep your property safe and secure.