Key facts: Ice Dam Leaks
- Attic heat loss is the root cause.[1]
- Climbing an icy roof is dangerous.
- Insulation and air sealing are the lasting fixes.
What to do during a leak
Catch the drips, photograph the stains, and call someone who can safely reach the roof. Check attic insulation, since wet insulation holds water against drywall.
Ice Dam Leaks: what to look for
Lasting fixes
- Seal attic air leaks
- Add insulation
- Improve ventilation
- Keep gutters clear
Signs to look for inside
Check the tops of exterior walls, around windows and along the ceiling at the edge of the room. Look for peeling paint, damp plaster or stains that grow in cold weather and fade in a thaw. In the attic, wet or compressed insulation near the eaves is a strong clue that water has been getting in.
How an ice dam forms
Snow on the upper roof melts because the attic is warm. That water runs down until it reaches the cold eaves, where it freezes into a ridge. More melt then pools behind the ridge and works its way under the shingles, and from there it soaks into the attic, the walls and the ceilings below.
Questions
Questions about ice dam leaks
Can I chip away the ice?
Not safely, and you may damage shingles. Hire a professional.