What causes ice dams, the damage they do, and how an inspection reads the attic-and-roof system. This guide is written for Minnesota homes by Closer Look Inspectors.
What causes ice dams
Ice dams form when attic heat melts roof snow, the meltwater runs to the cold eaves and refreezes, and the growing dam forces water back under the shingles. They are an attic-and-insulation problem as much as a roof problem.
The damage they do
Backed-up water stains ceilings, soaks insulation, rots roof sheathing and fascia, and feeds interior mold. The wear shows up at the eaves and in the attic long before a ceiling stain appears.
How we inspect for it
The roof, the eaves, the attic insulation depth, and the intake-and-exhaust ventilation work as a connected system, because keeping the attic cold and well-ventilated is what prevents dams in the first place.
Quick checklist
- Ice dams start with attic heat loss
- They rot sheathing, fascia, and feed mold
- Keep the attic cold and well-ventilated
- We inspect roof and attic as one system
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