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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Ice Damming; What is it?

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

ice dam If you notice a roof leak due to ice damming, give SERVPRO of Lee's Summit a call.

Weather is often the most obvious culprit behind a host of problems including building or structural damage, injuries, mold growth, water damage or flood.

Ice damming is a phenomenon that occurs when snow accumulates on a roof and then melts and refreezes at the roof's edge, creating a dam-like barrier that blocks water from draining properly. This can lead to water damage to the roof, walls, and interior of a building. Ice damming is more likely to occur in areas that experience cold winter weather with frequent snowfall and thaw-freeze cycles.

What causes ice dams?

Along with snow, the outside surface temperature on the roof should be more than 32 degrees F with lower surfaces on the roof being less than 32.  When outer surface temperature is more than 32, the snow begins to melt. The melted snow flows down into the roof and reaches the lower surface where the temperature is less than 32 and here is where it freezes forming an ice dam.

Sources of heat within the building lead to formation of ice dams include:

  • Chimneys
  • Air leakage
  • Improper insulation
  • Exhaust systems

Ice dams and injuries

Ice dams can cause serious injuries and some businesses and homeowners have experienced property damage up to $20,000 because of this phenomenon.

Many of the claims are because of property damage that occurred due to pooled water in the ice dam or roofs collapsing.

Why choose SERVPRO? SERVPRO is the leading specialist in water removal and clean-up when your property or structure is at high risk of damage from ice damming or water leaks. With state-of-the-art drying techniques and water removal equipment, SERVPRO can help restore the building to its original glory.

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