How Ice Dams Lead to Serious Interior Water Damage

Ice dams start with uneven roof temperatures. Heat from your home escapes into the attic and warms the upper part of the roof, melting snow there. The eaves, which hang past the heated area, stay cold, so the meltwater freezes again when it reaches them, building a ridge of ice.

As the sun warms the roof or your home continues to lose heat, more snow melts higher up. That water flows down under the snow and hits the ice ridge. With nowhere to go, it pushes up under the shingles, finding any gap, nail hole, or worn flashing to enter your home.

Look for water stains on ceilings or walls, especially in winter or early spring. The stains may be brown or yellow and can grow over time. You might also notice bubbling or peeling paint, sagging drywall, or a musty smell in the affected rooms.

Check your attic for wet insulation, dark streaks on rafters, or frost buildup. If you see daylight through the roof, that is a direct entry point for water. Also listen for dripping sounds inside walls, which indicate active water flow from an ice dam.

The pros usually start by locating the source of the leak, which may involve removing wet insulation and cutting out damaged drywall. They then dry out the affected areas with specialized equipment, treat any mold growth, and replace the materials that cannot be saved.

Depending on how far the water traveled, repairs might include attic insulation replacement, drywall patching or full replacement, ceiling restoration, and refinishing wood surfaces. The exact steps depend on the severity and where the water ended up. A thorough inspection helps determine what is needed.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.