Handling an Ice Dam Damage Insurance Claim

What’s In This Articles

• Introduction
• What is an Ice Dam?
• Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Ice Dam Damage?
• What Ice Dam Property Damage Claims Are Denied?
• How Do You Prevent Ice Dams?
• Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover the Cost of an Ice Dam Removal?
• How to Get Help With Your Ice Dam Recovery Claim?

Unfortunately, areas of the country that face long, cold winters also face hazards from snow and ice. For instance, melting snow during the day can lead to icy sidewalks at night. Several feet of fallen snow can cause roof collapses on buildings. Additionally, a ridge of ice on a roof can mean an ice dam damage insurance claim.

What is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam occurs when snow accumulates on a roof. However, the edge of the roof may be colder than the rest of the roof. As a result, an ice dam forms along the roof’s edge.

The ice dam blocks melting snow from reaching the gutter. Consequently, the melting snow then adds to the size of the ice dam as it freezes

As the ice dam grows in size, the weight of the dam can cause a roof collapse.

Alternatively, the ice dam could break up, falling off the roof. In the event that happens, personal property of the homeowner on the ground near the roof’s edge can be damaged.

Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Ice Dam Damage?

Well, a standard insurance company policy covers damage caused by the “weight of ice and snow.” However, the term “ice dam damage” is typically not mentioned in a homeowners’ policy. Nevertheless, insurance companies will cover some, but not all, damages caused by an ice dam.

For instance, if the ice dam causes a roof to collapse, the insurance company will cover the cost of repairing the roof. In addition, if the roof collapse results in melting snow and ice falling into the house or down the walls, homeowners’ insurance covers the resulting water damage to the home and its contents.

If your home frequently gets ice dams during the winter, check with your insurance agent about ice dam damage coverage.

What Ice Dam Property Damage Claims Are Denied?

As has been noted, an ice dam could break apart on the roof. As a result, large chunks of ice could fall to the ground. However, homeowners’ policies will not cover ice dam damage to fences, patios, foundations or swimming pools.

How Do You Prevent Ice Dams?

There are a few steps homeowners can take to prevent ice dams from forming.

First, keep your gutters clear of leaves, branches, etc.

Second, check your attic insulation. Is it uniformly installed in your attic? Moreover, are there any leaks in your roof that would let warm air out to melt snow on the roof?

Third, invest in a roof rake. That will allow you to keep the lower area of your roof and gutters free of snow and ice.

Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover the Cost of an Ice Dam Removal?

If the ice dam damages your roof, the insurance company will pay for the repair of your roof. Certainly, the company would also pay for the removal of any remaining ice on your roof.

However, if you have an ice dam on your roof that has not caused damage, the company will not pay to remove snow and ice from your roof.Therefore, you will have to remove the ice dam yourself (calcium chloride is safe to use on a roof) or hire a professional to do so.

If You Need a Public Adjuster to Help You with an Ice dam Damage Insurance Claim, Call AllCity Adjusting

We are a family-owned claims company with five decades of combined adjusting experience. Consequently, if there’s one thing we understand, it’s that you need 100% of your claim value.

Notably, insurance companies undervalue your claim 8 out of 10 times. Moreover, they hire expensive claims adjusters to ensure they maintain a strong profit margin. In addition, they have experienced actuaries that help their team of agents challenge your insurance claim’s validity and value.

We Can Help You File and Settle an Ice Dam Damage Insurance Claim

Certainly, having an ice dam damage claim can mean extensive damage to your roof. And at AllCity Adjusting, we are experts at handling roof damage claims.

At AllCity Adjusting we work to ensure you get 100% of your claim value. With over 50 years of combined adjusting experience, we know insurance companies and understand where they cut corners. Therefore, we help you build a larger claim and maximize your claim value. In short, we’ll get you back to normal fast.

Finally, don’t get fooled, get the company that gets you more. Call us today at 844.692.3587 or visit ourwebsite to find an office near you.