Ice Dam Damage 101: What You Need To Know For Your Home's Safety

1/30/2023 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO can rapidly clean up any water damage caused by an ice dam.

Ice dam damage from a roof’s ineffective drainage can affect any property without warning!

The professionals at SERVPRO of North Fulton know firsthand the effects of ice dam damage and can repair your property quickly and efficiently when water damage strikes. In the following blog post, we will go over the science behind ice dam damage, the three main effects ice dams can have on your home, and how SERVPRO of North Fulton professionals can help your property recover.

We want to ensure your home and business are protected during the final colder months before spring arrives. Please get in touch with us immediately if you are currently in the middle of an ice dam issue. We have the knowledge and experience to help restore your property from any damage, large or small.

What is ice dam damage?

First, let’s look at the science behind ice dam damage. Ice dams occur when ice builds up along the roofline of a home; they prevent melting snow from draining properly. This water can seep under shingles and into a home’s interior walls or ceilings, causing damage ranging from a few hundred to thousands of dollars in repairs.

Two main culprits create ice dams. First, blocked gutters can create ice formation and provide the necessary conditions for water intrusion. The second is ineffective roof ventilation: the trapped warmer air underneath the roof melts snow that refreezes at the roofline, away from the heat source. 

The three effects of ice dam damage 

Now that you know more about ice dam damage, let’s look at the three main effects it can have on a property. 

1) Roof Leaks: The most common effect of an ice dam is a leaking roof. This situation occurs because the ice and snow build up along the roof’s edges, preventing proper water drainage. Poor drainage leads to pools of water that can cause leaks, leading to extensive damage.

2) Interior Water Damage: When ice dams cause roof leaks, the water can seep into the home’s interior walls and ceilings, causing significant damage. Interior water damage can range from warping flooring or drywall to rotting support beams and foundation damage.

3) Mold Growth: When ice dam-related water damage isn’t adequately treated, mold growth isn’t far behind. Mold can cause a variety of structural concerns and other hazardous issues.

Tips for preventing ice dams from forming on your property

Now that you know what ice dam damage is and the three main effects it can cause let’s discuss some ways to prevent ice dams from forming on your property. The key is to keep your roof cold, as ice builds up when temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing. Here are a few tips for doing just that:

• Ensure your attic is adequately insulated—this keeps the warm air from entering the attic and melting snow on the roof
• Install ice and water shield underlayment to help protect against ice dam leaks
• Use soffit vents to vent warm air out of the attic and allow cold air in
• Trim back any trees or branches from the roof that could be trapping heat and causing ice dams
• Clear your gutters and downspouts to ensure there is no debris preventing the draining of melting snow

SERVPRO Of North Fulton can help with ice dam damage

Today we discussed the effects of ice dam damage and some prevention tips. If you are already dealing with an ice dam issue, SERVPRO of North Fulton professionals are highly trained in assessment and repair for the associated consequences. Our technicians use state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to ensure that the job is done quickly and efficiently.

We have restored many homes and businesses from ice dam damage, so you can trust that your property is in good hands with SERVPRO of North Fulton. Our ice dam restoration services include the following:

• Thorough water extraction
• Structural drying and dehumidification
• Sanitization and cleaning of all surfaces
• Repair and restoration of damaged walls and ceilings

We want to ensure your home or business is safe from further damage caused by ice dams. If you have any questions about ice dam prevention or would like to schedule a service, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help 24/7, 365 days a year!