Does homeowners insurance cover roof damage from ice dams?

How an ice dam forms

Heat escaping from the living space warms the roof deck and melts snow on the upper roof. The water runs down to the eaves, which sit over the cold overhang, and refreezes. The ridge of ice traps more meltwater behind it, which backs up under the shingles and leaks into the soffit, the exterior walls or the ceiling.

In North Georgia ice dams are uncommon, but they do happen after snow followed by several days below freezing, especially in the mountains and on homes with weak attic insulation or bath fans venting into the attic.

What a claim usually pays

• Interior repairs: drywall, insulation, paint, flooring
• Roof and gutter damage caused by the ice
• Reasonable emergency steps to limit the damage

What it usually does not

• Removing the ice or snow as routine upkeep
• Adding insulation, air sealing or ventilation
• Shingles damaged when someone chopped at the ice with a shovel or hammer

Preventing a repeat

The lasting fix is a colder roof deck: seal attic air leaks, bring insulation up to current levels and balance intake and exhaust ventilation. At replacement, an ice barrier membrane along the eaves keeps backed-up water out of the house. Georgia Roof Guide explains ice and water shield.

For the claim itself, see interior water damage coverage and how the date of loss is set.