What an ice dam is
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of your roof. Heat from inside the home warms the roof and melts snow. The water runs down to the colder eaves and refreezes. As the ridge grows, melting snow behind it has nowhere to go, so it can back up under the shingles and leak into the attic, ceilings and walls.
The short answer
Many standard homeowners policies cover water damage inside your home caused by a sudden ice dam leak. That can include stained ceilings, wet insulation, damaged drywall and ruined flooring. Removing the ice itself, or repairing a roof that leaked because of wear or poor upkeep, usually isn't covered.
Policies differ, so read yours or ask your agent before you assume either way.
Often covered
- Interior water damage from a sudden leak caused by an ice dam
- Ceilings, walls, insulation and floors damaged by that water
- Belongings damaged by the leak, under your personal property coverage
- Extra living costs if the home becomes unlivable during repairs, if your policy includes loss-of-use coverage
Often not covered
- Chipping, steaming or otherwise removing the ice dam
- Roof repairs when the cause is age, wear and tear or poor maintenance
- Mold that grows from a slow, ongoing leak that wasn't addressed
- Damage your carrier links to a lack of upkeep, such as long-clogged gutters
How to read your policy
Start with your declarations page. It lists your coverage limits and your deductible. Then look at the covered perils and the exclusions. Watch for wording about weight of ice and snow, water damage, wear and tear, and mold. Some carriers also use a separate deductible for certain weather events. If anything is unclear, ask your agent to walk you through it.
If an ice dam leaks
- Stop further damage if you can do it safely, for example by moving belongings and catching drips.
- Take photos and video of the roof edge, the leak and any damage inside.
- Keep receipts for emergency repairs and cleanup.
- Call your agent or carrier to start a claim, and ask how they want repairs handled.
- Don't climb onto an icy roof yourself. Hire a professional for ice removal.
How to prevent ice dams
Most ice dams start with heat escaping into the attic. Air sealing and attic insulation keep the roof deck colder, and good ventilation helps the roof stay close to outdoor temperature. Clean gutters before winter, and after heavy snow, a roof rake can pull snow off the lower edge of the roof from the ground. If you're replacing your roof, ask your roofer about an ice and water barrier along the eaves.
