Every winter in Kentuckiana brings its own unpredictable blend of freezing rain, sudden warm-ups, and overnight temperature drops. And every year, Cervices sees the same culprit quietly wreaking havoc on roofs across the region:
Ice dams.
Ice dams form when heat from inside the house escapes into the attic and warms the roof deck just enough to melt snow near the peak. That water runs down the roof until it hits the cold overhang (eaves), where it refreezes. Eventually, a dam builds up, trapping water behind it. That water has nowhere to go except under the shingles and into your house.
Why Ice Dams Are a Bigger Problem Than They Appear
Homeowners often don’t notice an issue until stains begin appearing on ceilings or water drips out of a light fixture. By then, the damage has already spread.
Here are the red flags you can spot early:
- Long, thick icicles along the edge, but little or no snow/ice in the middle of the roof
- Water stains on ceilings or upper walls after a thaw
- Peeling exterior paint or mold on siding right below the roofline
- Shingles that look lifted or wavy near the gutters
- “Wet attic smell” or visible condensation on rafters
Once water backs up under shingles, it can soak insulation, rot decking, and weaken interior drywall. And in many cases, homeowners assume it’s a leak — when it’s actually the ice dam causing the leak, or assume it’s an ice dam when it’s actually a leak!
Steps to Take If You Suspect Damage
- Document everything. Photos of interior stains, exterior icicles, and attic wet spots help tremendously with insurance.
- Avoid chipping or breaking the ice yourself. You can easily damage gutters, shingles, or even injure yourself.
- Call a professional (preferably Cervices) for a roof assessment. A trained eye will determine whether you’re dealing with seasonal damage, ventilation issues, or normal wear.
- Improve airflow. Proper ventilation and insulation are the long-term solution — and we can help you determine exactly what your home needs. Cervices can refer to an insulation consultant, use our drone to capture images (to help with insurance approvals), and assess your roof for adequate ventilation.
Winter weather is unforgiving. If something feels “off,” a quick inspection today can save thousands tomorrow.