Ice dams form when snow melting on the upper roof, then refreezes at the cold roof edge creating a thick ice dam.
Water from snow melting builds up behind the ice buildup and can't get off the roof. This Melt water backs up under
shingles and finds any gaps in the tar paper to enter the house. Modern asphalt roofs are designed to shed water
using gravity off the roof edge and have no protection against water going the opposite direction above the first 4 feet. The two worst
years for ice dam water damage recently, were 2011, and 2025. Heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures in late winter
caused the perfect conditions to form. In both years we then got a sudden very warm weekend while every roof was
still loaded with snow. We spent most of those two years repairing water damage to homes across western Massachusetts.
We offer complete turn key water damage restoration services for your home in Western Massachusetts.
The first step is to decide that you want us to be your contractor to handle restoration of your home to pre-water
loss condition. We begin by going through the water damaged area, documenting with photos and creating a specific
item by item list of tasks that need to be done to repair all the damage that was done to your ceiling, walls, insulation, and attic. This includes
removal of water damage wet drywall on the walls and ceiling, and treatment to remove moisture and prevent mold. Then we compare our
list to the list created by your insurance adjuster. If they are missing any items we negotiate with the adjuster
to add these items to the scope of work and provide pictures and reasoning why it is needed.
Wet drywall after water leak damage can sometimes be dried, but only when the water source is clean,
the leak is stopped quickly, and the drywall is still solid, and moisture meter readings show that the wall
cavity is drying properly.
The key factor in whether you can dry out wet insulation is how long it’s been wet. The longer insulation
stays wet, the greater the chance of mold growth and structural damage, making drying less effective.
For example, if insulation has been saturated for several days, mold spores may have already taken root,
and drying it alone won’t restore safety or performance.
We apply a Mold sealant which is a paint-like substance designed to seal a surface that may have had mold starting to grow.
The sealer is used where the material is hard to remove and which the mold cannot be fully
removed, like wood. Encapsulating mold in this way is generally only done when the moldy material cannot be
removed and replaced. Most of the time, it’s better to remove the moldy material if it cannot be adequately cleaned.
New insulation and vapor barrier are installed in the wall stud bays and any opened ceiling bays.
We install the same r value that was removed or the value that the current code requires.
Drywall that was replaced is taped, coated and blended smooth and flat. Walls that have
a texture difference are skim coated smooth.
Drywall repairs are primed and any wall or ceiling that had damage on it is repainted.
If any trim was removed or damaged, it is replaced with new trim. Nail holes are puttied and the trim is painted.
We clean up our tools and equipment and return extra materials. Once everything is out of the work area,
we do a final cleaning wiping down surfaces with microfiber towels and use cleaning products.
We handle interior drywall, plaster, and paint repair. A roofer handles shingles, flashing, valleys, and roof edge details.
We coordinate timing so interior repair starts after roof work.
yes to replace the insulation. Insulation holds water like a sponge. We open wet cavities when drying needs airflow or when insulation is wet.
Small stains with no softness sometimes dry without removal. We confirm with a moisture meter and a tap test.
Stains return when water remains in the cavity or when a primer fails to block the wood tannins.
We dry the area, then use an oil based stain blocking primer where needed.
We provide photos, scope notes, and measurements for your claim file. You work with your adjuster.
We keep the repair plan clear so paperwork stays simple.
Call as soon as you see a drip or a new stain. Each warm day adds melt water. Early action reduces removal and lowers the risk of odor and mold.
Schedule an ice dam roof leak repair visit
Usually they cover the water damage repairs. Insurance covers water leak damage that is sudden and not expected.
If your roof is past its lifespan and it keeps leaking they won't cover that. The leak must have just happened for the first time not a slow leak that is getting worse.
No the code is to put ice and water barrier for the first 4 feet from the gutters. ice dam leaks happen when the water gets above that 4 foot level.
Many roofers offer roof edge clean off services in the winter to keep busy. Heat tape is also a good choice to prevent ice dams from forming.
They use a roof rake and clear the snow off the edge of your roof. Keeping the edge of the roof snow free prevents ice dams.
I don't think ice dams affect the life span of the shingles but they are bad for everything inside your home. Water destroys all building materials and can cause mold.