Ice Dams & Lake Effect Snow
Homeowners around the Great Lakes know lake effect snow can drop several feet on one neighborhood while the next town over barely sees flurries. All that snow on the roof brings a problem that often shows up inside the house first: ice dams.
A stain spreading across the ceiling in January is usually the first clue. By then, water may have been soaking insulation and drywall for days.
How Lake Effect Snow Forms
When cold air moves across the open, warmer water of the Great Lakes, it picks up moisture and heat. That moisture falls as heavy snow once the air reaches land, often in narrow bands.
Buffalo and the Southtowns, Cleveland's east side and western Michigan sit in some of the heaviest snow belts in the country. Snow that piles up quickly and stays on the roof for weeks creates the right conditions for ice dams.
What Causes Ice Dams
Heat escaping from the living space warms the upper part of the roof. Snow on that warm section melts and the water runs down toward the eaves.
The eaves hang past the exterior walls, so they stay much colder. The water refreezes there and forms a ridge of ice. As more snow melts, water pools behind that ridge and works its way under the shingles.
From there it can drip into the attic, soak insulation and leak through ceilings and down the inside of exterior walls.
Signs of an Ice Dam Leak
- Thick ice along the edge of the roof or in gutters
- Large icicles, especially with water dripping behind them
- Water stains or bubbling paint on ceilings near exterior walls
- Damp or compressed insulation in the attic
- Peeling paint or wet spots on walls below the roofline
- A musty smell in upstairs rooms or closets
What to Do If an Ice Dam Is Leaking
Remove Snow Safely
A roof rake with an extended handle lets you pull snow off the lower few feet of the roof while standing on the ground. Avoid climbing onto an icy roof.
Don't Chip at the Ice
Hammers, shovels and picks can damage shingles and gutters. Professionals use steam equipment to remove ice dams without tearing up the roof.
Protect the Inside
Move furniture and belongings away from the leak, catch dripping water and take photos for your insurance claim.
Get the Water Out of Walls & Ceilings
Insulation and drywall that stay wet will grow mold. Our water damage restoration crews remove wet materials, dry the structure and check hidden areas with moisture meters. Our storm damage team handles roof tarping and repairs after heavy snow and ice.
Preventing Ice Dams Next Season
Air Sealing
Sealing gaps around attic hatches, light fixtures, plumbing vents and chimneys stops warm air from reaching the attic.
Attic Insulation
Adding insulation to the attic floor keeps heat in the living space where it belongs.
Ventilation
Soffit and ridge vents move cold outside air under the roof deck so the whole roof stays close to the outdoor temperature.
Clean Gutters
Gutters packed with leaves give ice a place to build up. Clear them before the first snow.
Keep the Roof Deck Cold
The long term fix is keeping the roof deck cold so snow doesn't melt unevenly.
Ice Dam & Storm Damage Restoration in New York, Ohio & Michigan
Our local teams respond to ice dam leaks and winter roof damage across the Great Lakes snow belts.
New York & Ohio
- Buffalo: Our Buffalo Rochester team responds to ice dam leaks and roof damage throughout Western New York's snow belt.
- Northeast Ohio: Our Akron Canton team handles water damage from ice dams and winter storms.
- Columbus: Our Columbus team covers central Ohio, where freeze and thaw cycles create the same problems.
Michigan
- Our Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, Northwest Michigan and Tri Cities & Northern Michigan teams respond to winter roof leaks across the state, including the lake effect snow belt along Lake Michigan.
Why Choose 911 Restoration for Ice Dam Water Damage
Our IICRC certified technicians respond 24/7, even during winter storms. We handle the roof, the water damage inside and the documentation for your insurance claim, so you aren't coordinating multiple contractors.
One Team Handles It All
- IICRC certified technicians
- 24/7 response, even during winter storms
- Roof tarping and repairs
- Interior water damage cleanup
- Insurance claim documentation
Storm & Water Damage Restoration From 911 Restoration
Ice dams can turn a heavy snowfall into weeks of repairs. Acting at the first sign of a leak keeps the damage limited to what you can see. Contact 911 Restoration for 24/7 storm and water damage restoration from your local team.
