How do insurance claims for ice dams on roofs work?
Short answer. Most homeowners policies cover sudden interior water damage caused by an ice dam, such as wet ceilings, walls and insulation, but they usually do not pay to remove the ice or fix the attic conditions that caused it. Some also pay for roof or gutter damage from the dam itself. Ice dams are uncommon in North Georgia, so adjusters may look closely at whether the leak really came from ice or from an older problem.
How an ice dam causes a leak
Heat escaping into the attic melts snow on the upper roof. The water runs down to the cold eaves and refreezes, building a ridge of ice that traps more water behind it. That water backs up under the shingles and leaks into soffits, walls and ceilings.
What is usually covered and what is not
- Usually covered: interior damage from the backup, such as drywall, paint, insulation and flooring.
- Sometimes covered: gutters or shingles torn loose by the weight of the ice.
- Usually not covered: ice and snow removal as a service, attic insulation or ventilation upgrades, and repeated leaks from a long term condition.
Documenting the claim
- Photograph the ice at the eaves and any icicles before they melt.
- Photograph interior stains and note the date.
- Remove wet insulation and dry the area to prevent mold, keeping receipts. See mitigation duties.
- Note the weather: the snowfall and the cold days that built the dam.
North Georgia notes
Ice dams show up here mainly after the rare multi day snow and hard freeze, especially at higher elevations. If you see one, check attic insulation and ventilation once the weather clears, because fixing the cause prevents a repeat claim. Read about interior water damage coverage and Robust Roofing's guide to ice dams in North Georgia.