Ice dam and winter storm insurance repair in Utica, MI
An ice dam is a ridge of ice along the roof edge that traps melting snow behind it. That trapped water can back up under the shingles and into your attic or walls.
If that's happening at your Utica home, call or text. The ice dam is removed safely, the damage is photographed and you get the repair scope in plain words. Your insurance company decides what's covered.
How an ice dam gets handled
Safe ice dam removal comes first, with no chopping at the shingles. After that, the focus shifts to the water it pushed in and the reason the ice formed.
A winter visit usually covers these steps:
- removing the ice dam safely
- photographing water damage at the roof edge
- checking other problem areas for damage
- recommending attic ventilation or insulation changes
Ventilation and insulation matter because heat escaping into the attic melts the snow that later refreezes at the edge. Those recommendations are meant to cut down on repeat problems.
Signs water got in
Watch for stains on ceilings or walls, especially along outside walls. Sagging areas and missing shingles are also worth a call or text.
Icicles alone don't prove there's a leak. A thick band of ice along the edge, though, is a good reason to have the roof checked.
If the roof needs more than a repair
Sometimes the photos show damage that a repair can't fix well. In that case a replacement may be the better plan, and you'll get the reasons in writing.
On a replacement, old layers come off as needed, the deck gets checked, and the new roof goes on with ice and water protection, underlayment, flashing and ventilation.The details are on our roof replacement in Utica page.
Questions about ice dams and insurance in Utica
Will homeowners insurance cover ice dam removal?
Whether removal and any resulting water damage are covered depends on your policy. Your insurance company decides what's covered. Photos of the ice dam and the damage, plus a written repair scope, give you something concrete to share with them.
What do I do if my gutters are full of ice?
Don't climb a ladder and chip at it. The ice is heavy and slick, and hacking at it can damage gutters and shingles. Call or text instead. We check the roof edge, remove the ice when that's the safe step, and let you know if attic ventilation could be improved.
Should I cover my whole roof with ice and water shield?
Not necessarily. It goes where water tends to back up or collect, such as along the eaves and in the valleys. On our replacements, ice and water protection is part of the roof system, and your written scope shows where it goes on your roof.
What causes ice dams on roofs?
Heat from the house warms the roof, the snow melts, and the water refreezes when it reaches the colder edge. Each cycle builds the ridge higher, and more water pools behind it. Attic ventilation and insulation both play a part, which is why the inspection includes recommendations for each.
How do I get rid of an ice dam quickly?
The safe quick fix is to have it removed with the right equipment, not a hammer or a shovel. Removal takes care of the immediate problem. The ventilation and insulation recommendations deal with the longer-term cause.
Request an inspection in Utica
Ice along the roof edge or a new stain inside is reason enough to book a free inspection. Ultra Services Roofing is licensed and insured, based in Sterling Heights, and works on homes and businesses in Utica.
Call or text, or request an estimate. Hours are Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Related pages
For other services in Utica, or storm repair in nearby cities, try these pages:
