If you live in a climate that includes a cold winter season, you probably know that winter creates special challenges for homeowners. Regardless of the amount and types of insurance you carry, it makes more sense to avoid a loss rather than to have to replace or repair your property.
Ice dam describes the formation of ice along a roof's edge.
Under these conditions, an area of the roof, warmed by interior heat, melts the snow and the water runs down until it meets a colder area. The water first freezes, creating a dam. The dam of ice blocks additional water and the pooling water backs up and finds pathways into a home's interior. If the amount of water is significant, it can cause deterioration and decay to interior wood and plaster. Once an ice dam has forced water to find ways to escape inside a home, the roof becomes more susceptible to future ice dams and water damage.