An ice dam causes significant damage to a home. Many times, you do not know it is there. However, it can damage not only the roof but the walls of your home. Most of the time, home insurance can offer some help for you. It is important to know the limits of your coverage, though. Take a closer look.

What Is an Ice Dam?

Ice dams occur along the roof edges and ridges. When the temperatures drop, snow can build up on the rooftop. When it warms just enough, the water melts. Then, it refreezes. This often creates ice. Ice on a rooftop is dangerous. It adds a lot of weight to the structure. But it also creates dams. A dam limits water’s ability to flow away form the structure. The water backs up onto the roof and gets into the roof’s shingles. Then, when it freezes again, that water puts pressure on the roof and the structure of the home overall. Everything can become at risk.

What Damage Can Occur?

Imagine the process of snow melting and then freezing into ice. Ice is much larger than the water when it expands. That expansion is quite powerful. When it occurs, it can force roof shingles away from the roof. It can force the wood components of the roof apart. This allows for seams to open up. It can allow water to get into the home’s roof structure. This can damage the ceiling, insulation, and even the roof’s integrity.

Will Home Insurance Cover It?

The answer to this question is usually. Many home insurance policies covers damage from ice damming. However, if an ice dam occurs and you do not seek out help right away, it can expose the roof to further damage down the road. For example, those areas where water gets into can easily saturate insulation. This leads to mold buildup over time. Your insurance may cover the costs to repair the initial ice dam. However, if you do not get repairs right away, and wait a few years, the policy may not cover extended losses.

If you have a roof with any signs of water damage, contact your home insurance agent. Work with a local roofer to make repairs. Doing this now minimizes long-term losses. Yet, realize your home insurance policy is likely to provide coverage for many losses from ice dams. This includes repairs to the roof, structure, and ceilings.

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