Winter is winter right? We expect snow, ice and cold weather. Unfortunately, the same goes for water losses to ceilings when an ice dam blocks enough water on your roof.
Information on ice dams is all over the internet. The cause and how to mitigate any damage. You will also find plenty of resources on prevention techniques. Getting on your icy roof is not one of them.
What is an Ice Dam?
An ice dam is a build-up of ice that forms along the edge of a roof, often around the gutters, when melting snow refreezes. This happens when warm air from inside the house causes snow on the roof to melt, even in freezing temperatures. The water runs down the roof and collects at the eaves, which are cooler than the rest of the roof. As the water reaches the cold eaves, it refreezes, forming a solid block of ice.
Over time, the ice dam can grow, preventing further water from draining off the roof. When this happens, the water can back up under shingles and leak into the home.
What about insurance?
Most homeowners’ insurance policies are “special” policy forms and afford coverage for ice dams. A special policy lists exclusions not perils that cause a loss. No exclusion exists for Ice dams. An alternative homeowners policy is a “named peril” form. Named peril policies do not list an ice dam as a covered peril so beware.
Named peril policies often contain the peril of weight of ice, snow or sleet which may apply for roof damage but may not for interior water damage. Check your policy to be sure.
Not sure which policy you have? You may need some help with this one, call your agent.
Check for your deductible and replacement cost coverage for your roof. We are seeing some insurers issue actual cash value settlements (replacement cost – depreciation) for roof damage even if the policy declarations says replacement cost.
Questions, give us a call or send us an email to service@personalcoverage.com