Stars and Bars RestorationSnow on the roof looks harmless until it melts, refreezes at the eaves, and starts pushing water back under your shingles. In Monument, Woodland Park, Cañon City's higher neighborhoods, and across the Pikes Peak region, ice dams are one of the most common causes of winter roof leaks we get called about.
We are a small, veteran-owned team out of Colorado City, and here is how ice dams work, how to lower your odds of getting one, and what to do about the water that gets in.
How an ice dam forms
Colorado's sunny, cold days are the setup. Sun and heat escaping from the house warm the upper roof, so snow melts. Water runs down to the eave, which is colder because it overhangs the house, and refreezes. Over days, that ridge of ice grows. Meltwater behind it has nowhere to go, backs up under shingles, and drips through the ceiling or down inside the walls.
The usual contributors:
- Poor attic insulation or air sealing, so heat leaks up to the roof deck.
- Inadequate attic ventilation.
- Heavy snowfall followed by cold, sunny days.
- Complex rooflines, valleys, and areas where a roof meets a wall.
Signs you may have one
- Thick ice along the eaves, or large icicles hanging from the gutters.
- Water stains on ceilings along exterior walls.
- Peeling paint or dampness near the top of exterior walls.
- Insulation in the attic that looks matted or damp.
What you can do before winter
- Clean the gutters of needles and leaves so meltwater has a path.
- Check attic insulation and seal gaps around light fixtures, attic hatches, and pipe penetrations. An insulation or energy contractor can advise on the right amount.
- Make sure attic vents are not blocked by insulation.
- Look for loose or damaged shingles now, especially if you had hail. Our hail damage and roof leak guide explains what to look for.
What not to do
Do not climb onto an icy roof, and do not chip at the ice with a hammer or ax. You can damage the shingles, and falls are a real danger. A roof rake used from the ground can remove snow from the lowest few feet of the roof, but be careful of falling snow and of power lines. For anything bigger, hire a roofer who works with this problem.
If water is already coming in
- Move belongings out of the way and put down buckets or plastic.
- Poke a small hole in a bulging ceiling to relieve trapped water only if it is safely controlled into a bucket, and stay clear of any light fixtures.
- Turn off power to the area if water is reaching fixtures or outlets.
- Take photos of everything and notify your insurance company.
- Call us at (719) 676-2456. We extract the water, dry the wall and ceiling cavities, and check for hidden moisture.
Insulation and drywall above a leak can stay wet for weeks if nobody opens them up, and that is where mold begins. If you want to understand your coverage, read our water damage insurance claims guide. Many policies cover sudden water damage from a roof leak but not long-term neglect, so documenting quickly helps.
Drying, and why we measure
We use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find water that is not visible, then place air movers and dehumidifiers based on what we measure. Our crew includes IICRC-certified technicians. If mold has started, our mold remediation service takes over from there. For leaks that become broader water problems, see water damage restoration.
Local notes
Higher-elevation towns like Monument and Woodland Park get more snow and longer cold stretches, so ice dams show up more often there than in the Arkansas Valley. Even Colorado Springs and Cañon City see them after big storms. Homes with older insulation or cathedral ceilings tend to be most affected.
When to call
If the ceiling is dripping, the stain is spreading, or you just are not sure how wet things are, call (719) 676-2456. We give straight answers and will tell you if you do not need us.