How to Prevent Ice Dams From Forming on Your Roof
Winter in Michigan means a lot of snow, sledding and skiing. Though, stress is one thing you don't want this winter!
And ice dams forming on your home's roof is a situation that can stir up a lot of stress. In this article, we're breaking down what an ice dam is, if your insurance will cover damage from an ice dam and how to prevent getting one in the first place!
What is an ice dam?
An ice dam is a buildup of water that collects on your roof and freezes. Ice dams form because a part of your roof (usually along the edges) is colder than other parts of your roof. When water from the warmer section melts, it flows into pockets where ice has accumulated, creating more ice and pools of water. This forms a barrier between your roof and the gutter, making it difficult for water to drain. Depending on your roof’s condition, dams can often lead to leaks and roof collapses, creating an expensive problem.
Does homeowners insurance cover ice dams?
The answer is yes and no. The damage to your home and your personal belongings inside the home is typically covered. Depending on your policy, there may be a section that specifies that damage to certain structures on your property won’t be covered if the cause of loss is freezing, thawing and weight of water or ice.
Those structures include:
Fences, pavement, patios, or swimming pools
Foundations, bulkheads, walls, or any other structure that supports all or part of a building or other structure on the property
Retaining walls
Piers, wharves, or docks
One thing to consider is if the damage is worth filing a claim. Frequent claims make insurance more expensive and make it harder to get insurance in the long run. Plus, if the damage amount isn’t higher than your deductible, then you won’t be able to file a claim.
It simply depends on the severity of the damage and loss from the ice dam. Roof damage claims can be expensive, and that expense is only compounded if hundreds of gallons of water fall through and ruin a lot of your personal belongings. In that case, it may be worth filing a claim rather than paying for it out of pocket. It really just depends on how high your deductible is and your claims history.
How do you prevent ice dams?
The best way to prevent ice dams is to be proactive. Good ventilation, drainage and proper insulation are all great ways to keep your roof free of ice dams (and your mind free of stress).
Here are a few actions you can take:
Clear your gutters of leaves and debris
Check and seal places where warm air could leak from your home to the attic (vent pipes, exhaust fans, light fixtures, etc)
Check for signs of bad ventilation
Keep snow from accumulating on the lower sections of your roof (you can get a snow rake or a broom that allows you to get snow off of your roof while staying on the ground)
Reach out to your Insurance One producer for any questions you may have about your current policy. Visit our Team page if you need to find a producer to connect with!