So You Think You May Have an Ice Dam

It may have just snowed and your roof is covered. Maybe you just saw a report on ice dams and the hazards they present. Perhaps a friend had to deal with one last year. Now you’re worried because you think you may have an ice dam.

What to Do Now

Check your home’s exterior. Ice dams are generally pretty easy to spot. Look for:

• Icicles hanging from your roof.
• Ice on your roof’s fascia and soffits.
• Ice forming on an interior wall or through an interior window frame.

What Not to Do

If you believe you have an ice dam or are developing one, please call a professional snow/ice removal contractor. Unless you are an experienced contractor with the appropriate safety equipment, you should never attempt to get on your roof to remove the dam yourself – serious injury can be the result. Low temperatures, steep roof pitches, heavy slabs of ice, unstable footing on slick roofs, and frozen, ice-covered ground can be lethal combinations.

You are also very likely to damage your shingles – leading to even more damage to your home.

Actions to Take

Contact a professional: 

• If you can see damage to your shingles, eaves, or gutters. Do not attempt to get on the roof yourself to deal with an ice dam or related damage.
• If water begins leaking into your home to ensure that the source of the leak is identified and fixed.

Keep an eye on the walls and ceilings inside your home. Damage from an ice dam isn’t always immediately visible, but if signs appear it is always best to take swift action.

If You Find Damage Caused by an Ice Dam

If your policy is an HO3 or HO5 policy, it will generally cover the damage an ice dam causes to the structure of your home. Make sure to contact your insurance company immedately if you find any damage to your attic, walls, or exterior. 

Important note for Electric Insurance Company policyholders: if you are not sure what type of policy you have, please contact us at 800.342.5342, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.  Contact us if you believe an ice dam has damaged your home. It is especially important for you to move quickly if you spot water damage to the interior of your home. It may be necessary to hire a water mitigation company to dry out your home; addressing the damage quickly helps limit the impact.

Product, service, program, credit, and discount availability and limits vary by state. The information provided on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not a full explanation of products, services or coverage. For more information, please contact Electric Insurance Company at 800.227.2757. If there are discrepancies between the information on this site and the policy, the terms in the policy apply.

Electric Insurance Company Risk Coaches help you assess your current coverages and exposure to risk based on the information you provide during your discussion with them. The services provided are for informational purposes only and do not create a professional or fiduciary relationship. Incomplete information or a change in your circumstances after your meeting may affect coverage requirements or recommendations.