How Can I Prevent Water Damage from Ice Dams on my Roof in Chicago?

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Cold weather can cause frozen pipes and ice dams. Call SERVPRO at the first sign of water damage.

SERVPRO Can Help you Prevent and Repair Water Damage Caused by Ice Dams Forming on Roofs in Chicago

Snowstorms become a very likely reality when it gets cold outside in the mid to late fall season. A storm could dish out six or more inches of snow in a day, covering your entire roof. And then the next day, the temperatures could warm up, causing the snow to start melting. However, if different parts of your roof are not at the same temperature, an ice dam could form.

Frozen pipes and ice damming in Chicago cause thousands of dollars in property damage each year. One way you can tell if an ice dam has started to form on your roof is if there are a lot of icicles on one section of it. If you notice you have an ice dam, shoveling the snow off the roof and trying to break up the ice is wise. You could also spray water from a hose on a warm day.

But, if the ice dam stayed too long, moisture could have leaked into your attic or other areas of your home. If water from the outside did get into your dwelling, our SERVPRO technicians could help you with the following services:

• Emergency Services after a Snowstorm
• Black Mold Inspections
• Attic Mold Remediation
• Water Extraction Services
• Applied Structural Drying (ASD)
• Repair Leaking Roofs Caused by a Storm

In some cases, ice dams can form due to heat from your house leaking into the attic. If you notice ice dams forming frequently, it is a good idea to add more insulation to your attic to prevent heat loss. Another way to prevent ice damming is to install a waterproof underneath your roof shingles that extend past the edge of your roof.

If you go into your attic after a snowstorm and notice moisture has leaked in from your roof, call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000.