Get the facts about ice dams.

In our climate, snow and cold are a fact of life, and ice dams are a very common problem. We see them every year — as well as the damage they cause. Understanding how ice dams form and how to deal with them will help you protect your home.

What are ice dams?

Ice dams are a build-up of ice that forms over eaves and gutters, caused by snow melting on the roof. Once an ice dam has formed, it will continue to trap melted snow above, where it can back up under the shingles and leak into your home.

It’s usually fairly easy to see ice dams, but not always. Sometimes smaller ice dams can form in areas not visible from the ground, such as in valleys where different areas of the roof intersect.

If you think you may have an ice dam, email or call Highmark at 952-641-6086. Inspections cost nothing, but the cost to repair damage from ice dams can be significant.

Already have ice dams? Learn how Highmark steams away ice dams quickly and safely.

What causes ice dams?

Ice dams are caused by a too-warm attic. This warm air melts snow on the roof, which then runs down to the cooler area over the eaves, where it refreezes. As the cycle repeats, the ice builds up until it creates a ‘dam’ that can cause the snowmelt above it to back up under shingles.

Call Highmark for an inspection of your attic and roof. We can help determine whether there is potential for ice dams to form and suggest ways to minimize ice build-up.

Already have ice dams? Learn how Highmark steams away ice dams quickly and safely.

For more information on ice dams, visit:

• Ice Dams, University of Minnesota, Housing Technology
• Ice Dams and Attic Condensation, State Farm Insurance

What kind of damage do ice dams cause?

Ice dams can ruin shingles and their weight can bend or break gutters, but the greater problems are caused by water that backs up under the shingles into the attic or crawlspace. From there it can leak into walls and ceilings, creating problems including:

• rotting wood
• wet insulation and drywall deterioration
• structural damage, and
• mold and mildew

Photo: Water from ice dams can come through walls and windows, as one Highmark client discovered.

What to do if you suspect water is leaking into your home

Don't wait — if you have or suspect damage, talk to Highmark. Our professionally trained and certified teams have decades of experience and thousands of jobs under their belts. We can also help with handling insurance claims.

Does insurance cover ice dam removal or related repair?

Homeowner insurance policies typically do not cover ice dam removal, but do cover repairs for damages caused by ice dams (after your deductible is met).

We make it hassle-free.
We’re experienced in working with insurers and can step in at any point to handle your claim. We generate estimates using the same software as insurers for a smooth and seamless process.

Rely on us to

• handle all communications, negotiations and approvals
• schedule and complete the work in a timely manner
• finalize all financial and compliance details to maximize your settlement and expedite payment

Can I prevent ice dams?

Ice dams are caused by a too-warm attic. Properly insulating and venting attic spaces is the most important thing you can do to prevent ice dams.

Be proactive. Call us to schedule a free roof and attic inspection. We can identify how warm air is finding its way into your attic and help you make changes to minimize this heat loss.  

Keeping snow off your roof is also important. Ask about our roof shoveling services for a worry-free winter.

Smart tips for protecting your home

• Make sure your attic is properly insulated and vented. A too-warm attic is what leads to ice dams.
• Seal and insulate around any ceiling light fixtures, plumbing vents or other places where warm air can escape into the attic.
• Minimize the use of recessed “can” lights in ceilings below attics, and replace incandescent bulbs in these fixtures with cooler fluorescent or LED lights.
• Contract with Highmark to have snow shoveled from your roof to prevent build-up.
• Get a free pre-season inspection this fall to identify potential problems: call 952-641-6086 to schedule.

Call 952-641-6086

Or email now to book a

Free Ice Dam Inspection
Ice Dam Removal
Quote to repair damage from ice dams

GET THE FACTS

What are ice dams?

What causes ice dams?

What kind of damage do ice dams cause?

Does insurance cover ice dam removal or related repair?

Can I prevent ice dams?

OUR SERVICES

Ice dam removal

Free roof inspections

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Ice dam damage repair

Hassle-free insurance claims

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5 ICE DAM WARNING SIGNS

1. Ice is forming on roof edge (eaves) or in gutters.
2. Icicles are hanging from the eaves.
   
3. You can see water or ice on outdoor siding or near windows.
   
4. You can see ice coming from the soffits (surface connecting eaves with exterior walls).
   
5. You see evidence of water on interior ceilings or walls.