Menu

Preventing and limiting damage from ice dams

A building that has ice dams on it.

If you notice icicles hanging on the eaves of your building, it may indicate the presence of an ice dam. Substantial snowfall can create conditions leading to ice dams developing on roofs.

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a blockage formed from melting snow that freezes along roof edges and gutters. As ice builds, it can trap water that eventually will seep through the seams of the shingles. This can cause significant damage to your walls, insulation, ceiling, and other areas.

How do ice dams form?

Ice dams are formed by uneven melting on the roof. The melting can be caused by the sun, uneven heating on the roof due to an interior heat source, or a combination of both. The uneven temperatures on the top surface of the roof cause the water to flow down to a lower elevation that is colder, and it freezes. If conditions are right, the process continues, which causes the ice formation to grow. It may even become large enough to stop water from flowing off a roof.

How to remove ice dams

If more than a foot of snow accumulates on the roof, remove it by using a roof rake or push broom. Carefully, and very lightly, sweep the rake or broom down the slope of the roof line. Never pull snow sideways across the roof or it may break off the shingles. It’s not necessary to remove all of the ice in the gutters or the ice dam itself, as long as you have removed the snow from the roof.

Break the ice

Don’t allow icicles to hang from the roofline or gutters. Carefully break them off and keep the icicles away from the foundation of your building.

Don’t risk your life

Most importantly, be safe! Unless you’ve been properly trained, removing an ice dam can be quite dangerous. When removing ice dams, you not only risk damage to your roof, but also severe personal injury if you are not careful. We strongly recommend contacting professionals with the proper equipment and roofing experience to carry out this job.

Learn more about preventing roof collapses due to snow accumulation.

Find an agent

Our independent agency partners will help you compare coverages and share industry insights as you shop for the right insurance policy for your needs.

Related articles

5 wildfire mitigation strategies for businesses

Hot and dry temperatures can make for ideal wildfire conditions. Don’t let your property be another statistic. Take these wildfire reduction measures to prevent damage to your farm or business

Coverages may not be available in all states. Coverages described are subject to all the terms and conditions of the policy, including deductibles, exclusions, and limits of liability. Not all agents are authorized to write all types of insurance. Policies may be underwritten by SECURA Insurance Company or SECURA Supreme Insurance Company, affiliated companies referred to collectively as SECURA Insurance Companies. Please read the policy carefully. Any claim example is for educational and informational purposes only. The information in this document will not be used to determine the coverage of an actual claim presented. All claims are adjusted based on the relevant facts, conditions and coverages at the time of loss. For specific terms and conditions, please refer to your coverage form. Coverage is also subject to applicable deductibles and limits of coverage.

The information provided by SECURA on its Website (the Site) is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however SECURA makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the Site. The information contained on the Website is to the best of our knowledge true and accurate at the time of publication, however it is generally to be used solely for informational purposes. The materials on this website are not guaranteed to be correct, complete or up to date. You should not act or rely only on information on this website.

The Site may contain (or you may be sent through the Site links to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties or links to websites and features in banners or other advertising. Such external links are not investigated, monitored, or checked for accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness by SECURA. SECURA DOES NOT WARRANT, ENDORSE, GUARANTEE, OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY INFORMATION OFFERED BY THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES LINKED THROUGH THE SITE OR ANY WEBISTE OR FEATURE LINKED IN ANY BANNER OR OTHER ADVERTISING. SECURA WILL NOT BE A PARTY TO OR IN ANY WAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING ANY TRANSACTION BETWEEN YOU AND THIRD-PARTY PROVIDERS OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL SECURA HAVE ANY LIAIBLITY TO YOU FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF THE SITE OR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE SITE. YOUR USE OF THE SITE AND YOUR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION ON THE SITE IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

SECURA would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time or accurate.

SECURA and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss of damage as a result of your reliance on the information contained within this website.