Skip to Content
Single Source Disaster Recovery Specialists Single Source Disaster Recovery Specialists
Call Us Today! (855) 528-0304
Top

Ice Dam Restoration

Beware of the Ice Dam!

If not taken care of, ice dams can lead to serious water damage in your home or building.

Did you know that ice dams can form when water from melting snow re-freezes at the edge of your roofline? Being aware of ice dam formations can help you prevent serious water damage inside your home. Follow these tips to help keep your home leak-free this winter.

An ice dam can form when water from melting snow re-freezes at the edge of your roofline. Without roof snow removal, the ice dam may grow large enough to prevent water from draining off the roof. Heat from the interior of the home can warm the roof causing the snow to melt. With nowhere to drain, the water can then back up underneath the roof shingles and make its way inside your home.

Immediate steps you can take:

  • Remove snow from your roof after every storm: Use a roof rake to clear the first three to four feet of snow from your roof immediately after each winter storm to prevent ice dams from forming. While the amount of snow and ice that your roof can handle may vary depending on a number of factors such as the roof type, age, and condition of the structure, a good rule of thumb is if there is more than a foot of heavy, wet snow and ice on your roof, you should try to have it removed.
  • Clear downspouts: An easy way to help snow and ice drain off your roof is to make sure the area around your downspouts is clear. This will make it possible for your gutters to drain when snow does melt. It will also help prevent flooding when the snow and ice melts.

Longer-Term Prevention

Ultimately, the best prevention for ice dams is to eliminate the conditions that make it possible for them to form in the first place:

  • Insulate your attic. Make sure your attic is well insulated to help prevent the melting and freezing cycle that causes ice dams to form.
  • Check and seal places where warm air could leak from your house to the attic, including vent pipes, exhaust fans, chimneys, attic hatches and light fixtures. However, make sure not to cover soffit vents. This is important because ventilation is necessary and if the vents are covered you risk the chance of microbial growth/mold.
  • Install a water-repellent membrane. When replacing a roof, make sure to install a water membrane underneath the shingles. This acts as an extra barrier that helps prevent water from seeping inside the building.

Why Choose Single Source Disaster Recovery Specialists?

What Makes Us Different
  • We Offer Emergency Services
  • Your Restoration Experts Since 1971
  • Fully Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
  • Cutting Edge Equipment and Leadership

Removing An Ice Dam:

Just because an ice dam is present does not necessarily mean water has penetrated the roof membrane. However, it is always best to remove ice dams before they have the opportunity to cause damage. To determine if you have damage, look for water stains or moisture in the attic or around the tops of exterior walls on the top floor.

If you can reach the roof safely, try to knock the ice dam off with a roof rake, or cut a channel through the ice to allow standing water to drain.

  • If you cannot reach the roof safely, consider hiring a contractor to remove it.
  • Another method is to fill a nylon stocking with calcium chloride ice melt and place it vertically across the ice dam so that it melts a channel through the dam. If you try this method, make sure you can safely position the ice melt on your roof, and make sure to use calcium chloride, not rock salt. Rock salt will damage your roof. Also, be aware that shrubbery and plantings near the gutter or downspout may be damaged.
  • Look carefully at large icicles. If the icicles are confined to the gutters and there is no water trapped behind them, this does not indicate the presence of an ice dam. However, large icicles can pose a danger to people when they fall off. Try to safely knock the icicles off from the ground, making sure not to stand directly beneath them. If you cannot reach them safely from the ground, consider hiring a contractor to help.

In regard to insurance water damage claims generated from ice dams, you should be aware that property owners are responsible for the cost of preventive maintenance. However, each claim is unique, and coverage and claim decisions always require an expert analysis by a licensed claim professional. Keep in mind that the cost of snow removal is likely to be considerably less than the cost of roof damage or interior property damage caused by water leaks.

    "5.0."

    They clearly explained the process, did what they promised and were very reliable.

    Vinnie C.
    "Their turn-around time in all instances – from the initial contact to the final repair was exceptional."

    Single Source immediately reached out to me to investigate the damage.

    Suzy W.
    "Nicest people, did exactly what they said they would when they said they would do it"

    Really went above and beyond to make me happy with the end result, even though it meant more work for them.

    Megan R.
    "You can trust them and rely on them!"

    They are reliable and very careful to safely pack up everything very well. I highly recommend them to all if you ever have a misfortune like mine.

    Marilyn F.
    "They handled the clean up and the painting and repairs!"

    They responded quickly to my texts and picked up the phone to call every step of the way keeping me informed so I knew what to expect.

    Heidi G.
    "We would recommend Single Source to anyone and thank you to Carl for the smooth coordination."

    We contacted multiple disaster companies to provide quotes, but Carl & Single Source were the most helpful and best price for the job.

    Kelli D.
    "My test came back with ZERO mold spores."

    his review could be lengthy because of how many great things I can say about this company. They are exactly what any consumer would want in a company.

    Corey C.
    "He patiently and clearly explained the process, relieving us of worry"

    They also worked with my insurance company to help me obtain the policy limits for mold remediation. Thanks. Well done.

    Steven H.

Contact Us Today

We’re Ready to Help
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please enter your address.
  • Please enter your City.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter your Zip Code.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy
One Call Does It All 24/7 Emergency Response

Rhode Island Service Areas

  • Barrington
  • Bristol
  • Burrillville
  • Central Falls
  • Charlestown
  • Coventry
  • Cranston
  • Cumberland
  • East Greenwich
  • East Providence
  • Exeter
  • Foster
  • Glocester
  • Hopkinton
  • Jamestown
  • Johnston
  • Lincoln
  • Little Compton
  • Middletown
  • Narragansett, 
  • Newport
  • New Shoreham
  • Block Island
  • North Kingstown
  • North Providence
  • North Smithfield
  • Pawtucket
  • Providence
  • Richmond
  • Scituate
  • Smithfield
  • South Kingstown
  • Tiverton
  • Warren
  • Warwick
  • Westerly
  • West Warwick
  • Woonsocket

Southeastern Massachusetts Service Areas

  • Attleboro
  • South Attleboro
  • Blackstone
  • North Attleboro
  • Fall River
  • Norton
  • Plainville
  • New Bedford
  • Rehoboth
  • Seekonk
  • Somerset
  • Swansea
  • Wrentham

Southeastern Connecticut Service Areas

  • East Lyme
  • Franklin
  • Griswold
  • Groton
  • Ledyard
  • Lisbon
  • Montville
  • Mystic
  • New London
  • North Stonington
  • Norwich
  • Preston
  • Sprague
  • Stonington
  • Waterford
  • Pawcatuck