Storm and roof leak water damage

Ice dam water damage

An ice dam is a ridge of ice at the roof edge that traps melting snow behind it. The water backs up under the shingles and leaks into the attic, ceilings and exterior walls. The fix has two parts: remove the ice safely and dry the wet insulation, ceilings and walls before they grow mold.

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Leaks by source

Outdoor faucet covered in ice — Stock photo

Ice dams form when heat escaping from the house warms the upper roof, snow melts, and the water refreezes at the cold eaves. Each thaw adds to the ridge. The leak usually appears along exterior walls and at the top of windows on the highest floor, often days after the snowfall.

The damage is easy to underestimate. Wet insulation loses its value and holds water against the wood, and water can run down inside a wall to the floor below. A restoration crew checks ceilings, wall cavities and insulation with meters, removes what is saturated, and dries the rest. The long-term fix is air sealing, insulation and ventilation in the attic so the roof stays cold.

This page is part of storm and roof leak water damage.

Ice dam water damage at a glance

Cause: Heat loss melts roof snow, which refreezes at the eaves
Where it leaks: Exterior walls and ceilings on the top floor
Ice removal: Low-pressure steam, by a roofing or ice-dam company
Insurance: Sudden interior water damage is usually covered

Signs you need ice dam water damage

Icicles and a thick band of ice along the gutters
Ceiling stains near exterior walls in winter
Water dripping from window or door frames
Wet or frosted attic insulation
Peeling paint or bubbling plaster after a thaw

How this differs by region

New England

Older, under-insulated homes and heavy snow make ice dams a regular winter claim. See Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont.

Great Lakes and Upper Midwest

Lake-effect snow and long cold spells. See Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and New York.

Mountain West

Deep snow at elevation loads roofs for months. See Colorado, Utah and Idaho.

How the job works

Stop the leak
The dam is removed with low-pressure steam, and channels are opened so meltwater can drain.
Find the wet areas
Meters and thermal imaging trace water through ceilings and down exterior walls.
Remove and dry
Saturated insulation and damaged ceiling are removed; framing and remaining materials are dried.
Repair and prevent
Ceilings and walls are repaired, and attic air sealing, insulation and ventilation are improved.

What affects the cost

Every job is priced after an inspection, and your insurer may cover part of it. These are the factors that move the number:

Ice removal by steam
Amount of wet insulation to replace
Ceiling and wall repair, especially plaster
Whether water reached lower floors
Attic air sealing and insulation upgrades

What you can do before help arrives

Safe to do

Rake snow off the lower few feet of the roof from the ground with a roof rake
Catch drips and move belongings
Photograph the ice, the leak and the stains

Stop and call

Don't chip ice with a hammer, axe or shovel; it damages shingles
Don't climb an icy roof or ladder
Don't use rock salt on the roof

Questions about ice dam water damage

Does homeowners insurance cover ice dam damage?

Most policies cover sudden interior water damage from an ice dam. Removing the ice itself and fixing the insulation problem that caused it are usually not covered. Check your policy.

Should I knock the ice off the roof?

No. Chipping breaks shingles and gutters and is dangerous. Hire a company that removes ice with low-pressure steam, and use a roof rake from the ground to reduce snow load.

How do I prevent ice dams?

Keep the roof cold: seal air leaks into the attic, add insulation, and make sure soffit and ridge vents are clear. Heat cables are a patch, not a cure.

Where we can connect you

Independent companies in our network cover 20,778 ZIP codes in 47 states (as of October 5, 2026). Pick your state for local causes, rules and coverage: