Ice dams are one of the most misunderstood winter problems homeowners face — especially across the North Shore, Northwest Suburbs, and Lake County, where snow, wind, and temperature swings hit older homes particularly hard.
Most people assume ice dams are a roofing issue.
They’re not.
Ice dams are a heat and moisture problem, and when they’re ignored, they often lead to hidden water damage inside walls, ceilings, and insulation — sometimes weeks before stains appear.
This guide explains what’s really happening, what to watch for, what not to do, and how to protect your home during — and after — an active winter weather event.
What Is an Ice Dam (Plain English Explanation)
An ice dam forms when snow on your roof melts, runs down toward the colder roof edge, and refreezes near the gutters.
Over time, that ice builds up into a ridge — a “dam” — that traps water behind it.
That trapped water has nowhere to go except backward, under shingles, and into the house.
Ice dams usually form when:
Snow stays on the roof for extended periods
Outdoor temperatures fluctuate around freezing
Heat escapes from the home into the attic or roof deck
This is why ice dams are common even on newer roofs — and why replacing shingles alone doesn’t solve the problem.
Why Ice Dams Are So Common in North Shore & Lake County Homes
Homes in communities like Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Northbrook, Glenview, Deerfield, and nearby Northwest Suburbs often share the same risk factors:
Older construction
Finished attics or bonus rooms
Inconsistent insulation
Complex rooflines
Additions built at different times
Soffits and eaves exposed to wind
Even well-maintained homes can develop ice dams if warm air escapes upward and meets a cold roof edge.
The Hidden Damage Ice Dams Cause (That Homeowners Miss)
The most costly part of ice dam damage usually isn’t visible right away.
Water from ice dams can:
Soak attic insulation
Travel down wall cavities
Stain ceilings weeks later
Warp trim and flooring
Promote mold growth in hidden spaces
By the time you see bubbling paint or brown ceiling stains, moisture has often been present for a long time.
This is why ice dam damage is frequently discovered after winter ends.
Signs You May Already Have an Ice Dam Problem
Watch for:
Large icicles are forming along the roof edges
Ice buildup in gutters
Water stains near exterior walls
Damp insulation in the attic
Dripping during sunny winter days
Musty smells after the snow melts
If you notice more than one of these, the issue is likely already developing.
What NOT to Do (Important)
Ice dams lead many homeowners to take well-intentioned but risky actions.
Avoid:
Climbing onto icy roofs
Chipping ice with hammers or tools
Pouring salt directly onto shingles
Using open flames or torches
Ignoring small leaks because “winter is almost over.”
These approaches often cause more damage or serious injury.
Safe Steps Homeowners Can Take Right Now
During an active ice dam situation:
Clear snow from the ground using a roof rake (if safe)
Keep indoor temperatures consistent
Avoid sudden increases in attic heat
Watch interior ceilings closely
Document any signs of moisture
If water intrusion is suspected, early evaluation matters.
Why Ice Dams Are Really a Water Damage Issue
While ice dams form on the roof, the damage happens inside the structure.
Water damage from ice dams often requires:
Drying matters just as much in winter as it does after a pipe burst — sometimes more, because evaporation is slower and moisture stays trapped longer.
How Ice Dams Are Prevented Long-Term
Permanent prevention usually involves a combination of:
There is no single “magic fix.”
The goal is to keep the roof surface cold while keeping heat inside the home where it belongs.
Why Experience Matters With Ice Dam Damage
Ice dam losses behave differently from summer leaks or storm flooding. Understanding how moisture moves through a home in freezing conditions comes from experience — not trial and error.
Our leadership follows IICRC standards for water damage evaluation and drying, and holds the Master Fire & Water Restorer designation, the highest certification in the restoration industry.
That experience is also reflected in the homeowner's guide:
RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset
by Nasutsa Mabwa and Sam Simon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952779529
The book was written to help homeowners understand how issues like ice dams, hidden moisture, and winter water damage actually affect homes — and how to respond calmly and correctly.
About the Author & Local Expertise
This guide is based on decades of real-world experience working in Chicagoland homes during harsh winters.
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is led by CEO Nasutsa Mabwa and COO Sam Simon, an IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer. Our team has served the North Shore, Northwest Suburbs, Lake County, and greater Chicago area for over 40 years locally, supported by ServiceMaster’s national legacy founded in Chicago in 1929.
Our company and leadership have been recognized for professionalism, ethics, and community impact, including:
Women Presidents Organization (WPO) – Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Award 2025
2025 Inc. 5000 Honoree
2024 Chicago Star Award
2021 SB100 Best of Small Business Award
2020 BBB Torch Award for Ethics
Stevie® Award for Business Excellence
These recognitions reflect a long-standing commitment to doing things the right way — especially when homeowners are facing stressful winter conditions.
Areas We Serve During Winter Events
We actively respond to ice dam and winter water damage concerns across:
Skokie • Evanston • Wilmette • Winnetka • Glencoe • Glenview • Northbrook • Deerfield • Highland Park • Lake Forest • Lake Bluff • Libertyville • Gurnee • Vernon Hills • Arlington Heights • Mount Prospect • Palatine • Buffalo Grove • Wheeling • and surrounding communities
Final Thought
Ice dams don’t mean something is “wrong” with your home — but they do mean your home is reacting to winter conditions in a way that needs attention.
Understanding the cause early can prevent weeks of disruption later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Dams
What causes ice dams to form on a roof?
Ice dams form when heat escapes from the home and melts snow on the roof. That water flows down toward colder roof edges, refreezes, and builds up into a ridge of ice that traps additional melting snow behind it.
Are ice dams a roofing problem or an insulation problem?
Most ice dams are not roofing failures. They’re usually caused by heat loss, air leaks, and uneven attic temperatures. Roofing materials often get blamed, but the root issue is usually inside the home.
Can ice dams cause water damage inside walls?
Yes. Water trapped behind an ice dam can move backward under shingles and enter wall cavities, insulation, and ceilings. This damage often goes unnoticed until staining or bubbling paint appears weeks later.
Is it safe to remove ice dams yourself?
In most cases, no. Climbing onto icy roofs or chipping ice can lead to serious injury or roof damage. Many well-meaning DIY attempts end up causing more harm than the ice dam itself.
Do ice dams mean my roof needs to be replaced?
Not necessarily. Ice dams can form even on newer roofs. Replacing shingles alone rarely solves the problem unless heat loss and ventilation issues are also addressed.
How do I know if an ice dam is causing hidden water damage?
Warning signs include ceiling stains near exterior walls, damp attic insulation, musty odors, peeling paint, or dripping during sunny winter days. A professional moisture inspection can confirm whether water has entered the structure.
Can ice dams lead to mold growth?
Yes. Moisture trapped inside walls or insulation can create conditions where mold may develop, especially if drying is delayed or incomplete after winter ends.
What should I do if I see water stains from an ice dam?
Document the damage, monitor for active moisture, and avoid opening walls or ceilings yourself. Early evaluation helps prevent further spread and allows drying to begin before damage worsens.
Are ice dams covered by homeowners' insurance?
Coverage depends on the policy and circumstances. Some policies cover resulting water damage but not the underlying cause. Documentation and proper evaluation are important regardless of coverage.
How can ice dams be prevented long-term?
Long-term prevention usually involves improving insulation, sealing air leaks, balancing attic ventilation, and reducing heat loss. There is rarely a single fix — it’s typically a combination of building science solutions.
