Ice Dams in Madison Winters
With snow on the ground for much of the winter and mornings that drop below zero, Madison homes are prime territory for ice dams.
Request a rooferWhat's happening
Heat from the house warms the attic and the roof boards. Snow melts from underneath, water runs down to the cold overhang and freezes. Over days, the ice builds into a dam that traps meltwater behind it.
Why older homes suffer most
Many older Madison homes have little attic insulation, gaps around chimneys and light fixtures, and few vents. All of that lets heat reach the roof.
Signs
A thick ridge of ice along the eaves, heavy icicles, wet spots on ceilings near outside walls, peeling paint and damp insulation.
What not to do
Don't hack at ice, throw rock salt on the roof or climb a ladder in icy conditions.
What helps now
Use a roof rake from the ground to pull snow off the lower few feet after heavy snowfall. Professional steam removal opens channels without damaging shingles.
What helps for good
Seal air leaks into the attic, add insulation and make sure soffit and ridge vents work. See attic ventilation.
At the next re-roof
Ask for ice-and-water membrane along the eaves and in valleys.
Get help
See ice dams.
How much damage they cause
Water from an ice dam can soak insulation, stain ceilings, peel paint, rot the decking and the top of the wall framing, and feed mould inside walls. The damage often isn't found until spring, so check closets and corners on outside walls.
Gutters aren't the main cause
Clogged gutters can make ice worse at the edge, but ice dams form on roofs without gutters too. The real cause is heat reaching the roof deck from inside the house.
Insurance
Some home policies cover interior water damage from ice dams but not the roof repair itself. Read your policy before winter so you know what to expect.
More roofing guides
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