Ice Dam & Roof Leak Water Damage in Rochester, MI

Rochester gets steady snow and repeated thaws, and that combination builds ice dams. Heat escaping into the attic melts snow on the upper roof, the water runs down to the cold eave and freezes, and the growing ridge of ice holds back the next round of meltwater. That water finds its way under the shingles and into the house.

How ice dam water gets in

• Meltwater backed up under shingles at the eaves
• Water running down the inside of exterior walls from the top plate
• Soaked attic insulation dripping onto the ceiling drywall
• Stains around window heads on the top floor
• Wind-driven rain through damaged flashing or shingles in spring and summer storms

How the cleanup works

The tech who does the walkthrough starts in the attic and works down, using thermal imaging to find wet insulation, sheathing and wall cavities. Wet blown or batt insulation is removed, because it holds water against the ceiling. Stained ceiling drywall that is sagging or soft comes down; firm drywall with a small stain is often dried in place.

Winter drying needs heat, so the drying team closes the space and runs LGR dehumidifiers with heaters or, on dense framing, desiccants. Readings are logged daily until the sheathing, framing and drywall reach the goal. A roofer handles ice removal and repairs; the restoration team handles the water inside.

Preventing the next ice dam

More attic insulation, sealed air leaks from the living space and good soffit and ridge ventilation keep the roof deck cold so snow does not melt unevenly. A roof rake used from the ground keeps the first few feet of snow off the eaves. The Energy Saver insulation page and the National Weather Service winter safety page cover insulation and winter storms. A leak from an upstairs bathroom instead is covered on the ceiling leak page.