Protecting Your Home Against Ice Dams and Winter Water Damage
Winter in Colorado Springs brings breathtaking snowy landscapes, but it also brings the risk of ice dams and water damage to homes. Ice dams form when snow melts and refreezes at the edges of your roof, preventing proper drainage and causing water to back up under shingles. This can lead to leaks, mold growth, and structural damage inside your home.
Understanding how to prevent ice dams and minimize winter water damage can save you costly repairs and stress. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Ice Dams?
Ice dams form when heat from your attic warms the roof, causing snow to melt. As the melted snow flows down the roof, it reaches the colder eaves and refreezes, creating a ridge of ice. Over time, this ice barrier prevents additional meltwater from draining properly, forcing water back under shingles and into your home.
Signs of Ice Dams
Large icicles hanging from your roof’s edge.
Water stains or leaks in your ceiling or walls.
Ice buildup along gutters and eaves.
Peeling paint or warped wood near your roofline.
How Ice Dams Cause Water Damage
When water backs up behind an ice dam, it can:
Leak into your attic, damaging insulation and drywall.
Soak into walls and ceilings, leading to mold growth.
Compromise the structural integrity of your home by warping wood and weakening supports.
The best way to avoid these problems is prevention.
How to Prevent Ice Dams and Winter Water Damage
1. Keep Your Roof Cold
Since ice dams form due to uneven roof temperatures, keeping your roof surface cold can prevent snow from melting too quickly. Here’s how:
Improve attic insulation: A well-insulated attic keeps warm air inside your home, preventing heat from rising and warming the roof.
Seal air leaks: Use caulk or spray foam to seal gaps around vents, chimneys, and light fixtures that allow warm air into the attic.
Enhance attic ventilation: Proper ventilation allows cold outdoor air to circulate in the attic, keeping the roof surface cool.
2. Clear Snow from Your Roof
Use a roof rake with an extendable handle to remove snow from the edges of your roof after heavy snowfall.
Be cautious when removing snow—using a ladder in icy conditions can be dangerous. Consider hiring a professional if needed.
3. Keep Gutters Clean
Remove leaves, debris, and ice buildup from gutters before winter to ensure proper drainage.
Consider installing gutter guards to prevent blockages.
4. Use Ice Melt Products Safely
Apply calcium chloride ice melt (not rock salt, which can damage shingles) to break up ice dams.
Place ice melt in a nylon stocking and lay it perpendicular to the ice dam to help create drainage channels.
5. Install Heat Cables
Heat cables installed along the edges of your roof and gutters can prevent ice formation.
These cables should be installed before winter and plugged in during freezing conditions.
What to Do If You Already Have Ice Dams
If you notice signs of ice dams, take action quickly to prevent water damage:
Remove excess snow using a roof rake to slow further melting and refreezing.
Create drainage channels by using ice melt or carefully chipping small pathways through the ice.
Catch leaks inside your home with buckets or towels to minimize water damage.
Call a professional if ice dams are severe or water damage has already occurred.
Handling Water Damage from Ice Dams
If water has already leaked into your home, act fast:
Dry out wet areas using fans, dehumidifiers, and towels to prevent mold growth.
Inspect for hidden damage in the attic, insulation, and behind walls.
Call a professional restoration service if the damage is extensive or mold is present.
Trust Colorado Water & Mold Restoration for Ice Dam Water Damage Repair
Ice dams and winter water damage can cause serious issues for homeowners in Colorado Springs. If your home has suffered water damage from ice dams, Colorado Water & Mold Restoration is here to help.
Our team specializes in water damage restoration, mold remediation, and home repair to get your house back to normal quickly and safely.
Contact us today for expert water damage restoration and winter home protection solutions! Stay safe, stay warm, and protect your home this winter.
