 Got Dams?
Look familiar?? You are not alone. Thousands of homeowners in New England are dealing with ice dams.
We have received a ton of calls in recent weeks. What causes ice dams?, what to I do?, and is it covered? I have included information below that addresses these questions and more.
Given the recent weather pattern of weekly snowfall, ice dams will continue to be a problem for the remainder of the winter season. These solutions should help you manage the problem and prevent further damage.
If you have any questions or would like to talk about your ice dam issue, please feel free to give us a call. We are here to help. In the meantime, stay safe and dream of a hot day in July. |
Regards,
Edward P. Hackett, CIC CRM
Vice-President
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 Ice Dam 101
I don't claim to be a scientist or physicist like Bill Belichick. So I have included a link to an ice dam article that Travelers Insurance recently published. It gives a great overview of what causes an ice dam. Ice Dam 101 |
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Ice Dam...Now What??
After you have discovered the ice dam there are some measures that you can take to prevent further damage. Removing the snow is key. If it's reachable with a roof rake - have at it. Otherwise you may want to consider contacting a roofing contractor to remove the snow from the affected area.
If you can remove the ice
 safely from your roof line, that is even better. Keep in mind that a hammer might be a good tool, but it could also cause damage to the house, roof or gutter that you are whaling away at. Rubber mallets are a good tool. Otherwise, chip slowly with a hammer. If you notice water dripping in through the ceiling, I would recommend using a nail or small drill bit to poke holes in the ceiling. This will allow the water to drain from the ceiling and prevent it from spreading across the room. It will also give you a controlled point of entry where you can set up a bucket to catch the water. Most ice dams end up being a patch to the ceiling and some paint. It's much easier and cost effective to patch a nail hole than replacing a ceiling.
Above all, be smart. If you have to use the words climb, window or ladder when considering your strategy - re-think it. Nothing is worth you getting hurt.
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Is it Covered?
Yes, resulting damage from ice dams is covered. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind when considering a claim and it's impact on your rates going forward.
In the majority of cases the damage from an ice dam is limited to a ceiling patch and paint. There is usually no roof damage as there is nothing wrong with the roof. That being said, it may not go over your deductible.
You also need to keep in mind that property rates are based on loss experience. Should you have a claim, the loss free credits on your policy will go away. So you have to consider the math. Let's say an ice dam causes $1200 in damage and you have a $1000 deductible. You would net $200 from the claim. If the next three years your would forgo and estimated $600 in loss free credits. It might not be worth it.
The good news is we are here to help you through the process. Our job is to advise you, not talk you out of putting in a claim. Give us a call to review your claim and we can provide all the information you need to make an informed decision.
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