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Ice Dams and Water Damage in Connecticut
2/16/2021 (Permalink)
When ice dams leak in your home in Connecticut, the water damage can be widespread and should be handled by a professional restoration company.
When freezing temperatures arrive in Connecticut, East Haven area homeowners are unsurprised. What can be surprising is the ice dam damage caused to your property from excess snow and ice on your roof. Ice dams leaking into your home can cause extensive water damage, mold growth, and structural problems.
SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline Is Your Local Ice Dam Water Damage Repair Company in Connecticut
- Highly Trained Water Damage Restoration Specialists
- We Handle the Insurance Process
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What Causes Ice Dams in CT?
Ice dams form with two things: Snow and a warm roof.
When warm air from the living space of your home leaks into the attic through cracks in doors, recessed lighting, or vent fans, it causes the roof to warm above freezing. This causes the snow on the upper parts of the roof to melt.
When the melting water runs down the roof and reaches the eave, it refreezes. This is because the eaves extend past the structure of your home, making them colder than the rest of the roof. Over time, this process forms a ridge of ice and snow that is referred to as an ice dam on your roof.
Ice Dams Damage Your Connecticut Home
Ice dams on your roof can cause major damages to your property. As the ice dam forms and grows, it traps a pool of melted water underneath it. Over time, this water backs up and seeps underneath shingles, through the roof decking, and leaks into the attic of your home.
Damages caused by ice dams include:
- Interior Water Damage. When ice dams leak into the house, they can cause extensive water damage to floors, ceilings, walls, and attic insulation. Many homeowners often notice ceiling leaks from ice dams or notice bubbling or peeling paint.
- Mold Growth. Wherever there is moisture, there’s the possibility for mold.
- Roof Damage. The constant melting and refreezing of snow and ice causes roof shingles to break or deteriorate. The roof may sustain damages that cause chronic roof leaks.
- Gutter Damage. The weight of the ice dam on the edge of the roof can cause gutters to clog, sag, and pull away from your home.
- Fascia and Soffit Damage. Ice dams can even affect the underside of your roof, damaging the fascia and soffit that prevents pest and weather events from entering your home.
What To Do When Ice Dams Leak Into Your Home
Contain the Water Leak
If snow is leaking from the ceiling or roof, you should first set up buckets and towels to catch any dripping water. This can help prevent damages from spreading around your home.
Call A Local Water Damage Restoration Company In Connecticut
Since ice dam damage is namely behind walls or ceilings, it's best to call the professionals to ensure a proper cleanup process. When walls, floors, ceilings, and insulation are wet, it's likely for mold to form without fast action. SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline can provide complete ice dam water damage repair in Connecticut.
Remove the Ice Dam
Snow and ice leaks into your home until the ice dam is removed. There are many methods for DIY ice dam removal, such as using calcium chloride to melt ice or climbing up on the roof and chipping ice away, but both of these methods pose a danger to your roof and your safety. We recommend calling a local ice dam removal service for fast, safe removal.
Preventing Ice Dams and Snow Leaks
The key to preventing ice dam damage to your home in Connecticut is to take steps to ensure that they don't form in the first place. Try one of the following methods to prevent snow and ice from leaking into your home this winter:
- Remove snow with a roof rake before it has the chance to melt.
- Better insulate the attic and roof:
- Seal all air leaks from the living space such as attic doors, recessed lighting, or leaking ductwork
- Add more insulation to the floor of the attic or the roof
- Make sure that no exhaust vents discharge into the attic
- For long term solutions, contact a local roofing company in Connecticut to provide specialized ice dam solutions for your home.
Frequently Asked Ice Dam Questions
Are ice dams covered by insurance?
The water damage from snow and ice leaks should be covered by your homeowner's insurance policy. But, your insurance will not cover the cost of ice dam removal, which on average costs $700 to $1,500.
Do gutter guards cause ice dams?
No, your gutters or gutter guards are not what causes ice dams - the cause is your roof being too warm. But, it is true that clogged gutters can help contribute to snow and ice buildup on your roof.
Are ice dams common?
Ice dams are most common in areas that get a lot of cold weather and snow. They aren't common if your attic and roof are properly insulated.