Ice dams
If your roof grows icicles and leaks every winter, the ice isn't really the problem. Ice dams form when warm air escapes into the attic and melts snow from below; the water runs down, refreezes at the cold eaves, and backs up under the shingles.
Three things keep the cycle going: poor attic ventilation and insulation, no ice and water shield at the eaves (common on older roofs), and complex roofs with many valleys where meltwater collects.
Fix the cause and the dams stop. Leave it, and every winter puts water back under the same shingles.
Raking snow and clearing ice ease the immediate problem, but they don't stop next winter's dam. The lasting fix is done when the roof is replaced: ice and water shield extended past the warm wall line, balanced ventilation and new flashing in the valleys. See how a roof replacement works.
Not sure? Read repair or replace?, or get a free estimate.
Interior water damage from ice dams is often covered. Document it early (date, photos), then call your insurer. See how our insurance claim process works.
Frequently asked
Fix the cause, not the ice. Ice dams form when heat escapes into the attic and melts snow from below. The lasting fix is done when the roof is replaced: ice and water shield extended past the warm wall line, balanced ventilation, sometimes attic insulation, and new flashing in the valleys. Raking snow and clearing ice only buy you the rest of this winter.
It helps, but it doesn't remove the cause. Snow sheets off standing seam more readily than off shingles, with engineered snow retention directing where it lands, and we install it over high-temp ice and water shield. Heat escaping into the attic still needs ventilation and insulation to fix.
Often, yes. Interior water damage from ice dams is one of the most commonly covered causes in Maine; wear and age usually are not. Document it early (date, photos), then call your insurer. We can meet your adjuster on-site.
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