Ice and snow may look pretty, but both can do some damage to the roof of your home if you aren’t careful. The buildup can lead to roof collapses, if the snow gets deep enough and you live in a climate that isn’t accustomed to this kind of weather. Inclement winter weather can also cause ice dams to form on your home’s roof, leading to structural damage that may or may not be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Again, if you’re not accustomed to a snowy climate, right now you’re probably wondering: what’s an ice dam? What will my insurance cover once I discover one? Here’s the answers to those questions and more.
What’s an Ice Dam?
Water can do severe damage to a roof, especially when it gets backed up behind an ice dam. When the weather goes through a series of quick fluctuations, switching from freezing to slightly above freezing, an ice dam can form.
For example, if you have a snowstorm, followed by a quick thaw, the snow will begin to melt off your roof. The problem occurs when the temperatures drop again, causing that snow to freeze solid again. That mass of ice that forms at the edge of your roof, preventing proper drainage in the future because it blocks water from getting to your gutters, can cause damage to your roof to the point that water begins to leak in, as it has nowhere else to go.
What Happens If an Ice Dam Damages My Roof?
Ice dams can happen when the winter weather fluctuates, so it’s best to keep an eye on your roof during this time of year, particularly when the conditions are right. Proper maintenance, like checking your roof for sunken spots, cleaning out your gutter before the snow flies, and removing any built-up ice before it becomes a problem are all recommended.
If you do end up with an ice dam, it’s crucial to remove it as soon as possible. A landscaping company can usually help you break it loose. Of course, if it ends up being too late for that, and damage occurs, your insurance company and a contractor are the next people you call.
What Will My Homeowner’s Insurance Cover?
Typically, a standard homeowner’s insurance policy will cover things like water damage to your roof and structure, as well as clean up from any flooding that occurs inside of your home. It may even pay for measures that prevent future ice dams from forming, but again, this all depends on your policy.
The one thing that your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover is the removal of the ice dam. You will have to either find a way to remove it yourself or pay out of pocket to get it off of your roof before more damage happens.
Choose Spivey Insurance
Do you need to check to see if your homeowner’s insurance covers the damage from ice dams? Reach out to the experts at Spivey Insurance. Our knowledgeable agents can help you get the best insurance protection from ice dams and the potential damage they can cause.