Open Accessibility Menu
Hide

Ice Dam Water Damage: Why It’s Important to Act Fast

Homeowners in Columbus, OH are all too familiar with the damage caused by ice dams. Whether it’s your first or twelfth one, it’s essential to act quickly before it causes more destruction and harm.

To help you figure out your next steps or understand more about ice dams, ServiceMaster Restoration by Neverman Construction Company will walk you through how they form, what actions should be taken first, and how our Columbus restoration company can take care of any destruction left in its wake with trusted service.

 

What Causes Ice Dams?

Ice dams form when snow builds up on your roof and starts to melt due to the uneven heat produced by your home's attic. The water produced refreezes once it reaches the lower and colder parts of your roof, forming a dam of water that can cause serious damage to your property and your:

  • Attic
  • Insulation
  • Roof
  • Gutters
  • Exterior walls
  • Windows and doors

 

Why Ice Dams Require Your Immediate Attention

Taking prompt action is vital once you discover an ice dam forming on your roof. Not only will it protect the physical structure of your home, but it'll also save you money in the long run! Here are a few reasons to act fast:

  • Damage Won’t Slow Down – Ice dams can easily develop within 24 hours and should be taken care of as soon as they're noticed. The longer you wait, the more damage will occur!
  • Things May be Too Heavy – Ice dams aren't only cold and wet, but they're extremely heavy. If your roof is older or already experiencing structural problems, it may be the final straw before a major issue.
  • Safety First – Water dripping through your roof will trickle down onto your attic floor and walls, creating hazardous conditions if left too long. These include the likes of mold growth and structural instability, both of which can put you and your family in harm's way.

 

How to Remove Ice Dams

Here are some tips to safely remove an ice dam from your home with minimal damage:

  • Remove snow from your roof with a snow roof rake
  • Make sections in ice damn for trapped water to drain
  • Melt the ice using calcium chloride
  • Hire professionals to deice your roof and remove snow

Above all, you'll want to make sure you're staying safe. Not only can roofs become slippery when an ice dam forms, but icicles, piles of snow, and other debris falling from your roof can cause bodily harm. We suggest bringing in a professional to ensure the job is done safely and as quickly as possible!

 

How to Repair Ice Dam Damage

Once the ice dam has been removed, you'll want to take the proper steps to inspect for and repair any water damage that may have been left behind. While attempting DIY repairs and water restoration is admirable, it's best to seek out a professional water damage restoration company for help.

ServiceMaster Restoration by Neverman Construction Company's team of certified technicians have the experience and knowledge needed to assess the extent of your ice dam damage and develop a plan for a full recovery. This can include:

  • Completing water mitigation to minimize loss
  • Assessing and repairing structural damage
  • Replacing damaged siding, insulation, drywall, and more
  • Remediating mold, mildew, and other hazardous materials

Our approach takes your needs into consideration to ensure that we make the best possible decisions for your home’s recovery. You'll have nothing short of the best possible outcome, along with up-to-date communication, advanced technology, and trusted recovery systems that have been around for over 65 years at a national level.

 

How to Prevent Ice Dams

While our team will always be there to clean up any water damage caused by winter conditions, it's important to take the proper steps to prevent ice dams from forming again in the future.

Here are some steps you can take to prevent ice damns from forming on and ruining your home's roofing:

  • Ensure your attic has a sufficient insulation
  • Adding roof and soffit vents to ensure consistent communication
  • Inspect for air leaks or cracks on your roof to reduce heat loss
  • Install heating cables along the eaves of the roof during winter months to melt snow
  • Use a roof rake to remove snow from your roof regularly
  • Tack action quickly as soon as the ice dam begins to form

 

ServiceMaster Restoration by Neverman Construction Company Offers Ice Dam Damage Repairs for Homeowners and Businesses

If you're dealing with an ice dam this winter, ServiceMaster Restoration by Neverman Construction Company has you covered. We offer a range of services to both homeowners and businesses to help them get their roofs back in shape after an ice dam or other winter weather damage.

With ServiceMaster Restoration by Neverman Construction Company, you'll benefit from:

  • 24/7 response times to help whenever you may need us the most
  • Free on-site estimates before any work begins
  • Experienced and certified technicians who know what it takes to restore your home
  • Comprehensive services, from ice dam removal to full water damage recovery

Don't wait around for the problem to get worse. Get in touch with ServiceMaster Restoration by Neverman Construction Company today, and we'll schedule a time to inspect your home or dispatch a team for emergency restoration!

Be sure to contact us online to request your ice damn repair services in Columbus!

Categories