How Ice Dams Form

Ice dams form when heat escapes from your home into the attic, warming the roof deck. Snow on the warm section melts and runs down to the colder eaves, where it refreezes into a ridge of ice. As more snow melts, water backs up behind the dam and seeps under shingles, through roof underlayment, and into your attic. From there it drips into insulation, ceiling material, and walls. Salem's variable winter temperatures make this worse. The roof warms during the day, melts snow, and then freezes at night, creating a cycle that builds larger dams.

Signs of Ice Dam Damage

Look for water stains on ceilings near exterior walls, icicles hanging from eaves, ice buildup along the roof edge, or wet insulation in the attic. If you see any of these signs during winter, assume water is entering your home and act immediately. The longer water sits in insulation and ceiling material, the more likely mold will start growing.

Immediate Steps to Minimize Damage

Do not try to chip ice off the roof. You'll damage shingles and risk injury. Instead, use a roof rake to remove snow from the lower three feet of the roofline, which reduces the amount of meltwater feeding the dam. If water is actively leaking into your home, place buckets under drips and move furniture away from wet areas. Call a professional to safely remove the ice dam and assess interior damage.

Professional Ice Dam Removal and Water Mitigation

We use steam to safely melt ice dams without damaging shingles, then tarp vulnerable sections to prevent additional water intrusion. Inside, we extract standing water, remove wet insulation and ceiling material, and dry structural components using air movers and dehumidifiers. If mold has started growing, we treat affected areas and remove porous materials that cannot be salvaged. We also inspect attic insulation and ventilation to identify why the ice dam formed and recommend upgrades to prevent recurrence.

Insurance Coverage for Ice Dam Damage

Ice dam damage is usually covered under Oregon homeowners policies if you maintained reasonable heat and cleared snow from vulnerable areas. We document the timeline, photograph all damage, and provide a detailed scope showing what needs to be repaired. Our team works with your adjuster to ensure the claim includes emergency ice removal, water extraction, and restoration.

If an ice dam is causing leaks in your home, call now for emergency service. We'll remove the dam, dry your home, and handle your insurance claim before the damage gets worse.