Ice Dam Water Damage in Andover, MN
Meltwater trapped behind an ice dam backs up under the shingles and runs into the attic, the tops of exterior walls and the ceilings below. The drying team removes wet insulation and dries the structure.
(888) 432-4933Ice dam leaking inside? Call now
First steps for ice dam water damage
- 01Catch the drips Set buckets and towels under active drips and move valuables.
- 02Check the ceiling Stay clear of a ceiling that sags or bulges with water.
- 03Stay off the roof Do not chip ice from a ladder; it damages shingles and is dangerous.
- 04Photograph stains Record ceiling stains and wet walls inside and the ice outside.
An ice dam forms when heat from the house melts roof snow and the water refreezes at the colder eaves. The ridge of ice traps the next round of meltwater, which backs up under the shingles and drips onto the top plate of the wall, into the attic insulation and through the ceiling. Heavy-snow winters and long freeze and thaw cycles make ice dams a regular winter loss across the north metro.
What does ice dam water damage cost in Andover, MN?
Ice dam water damage in Andover, MN typically runs $1,500 to $8,000 for the interior dry-out, depending on how many rooms show water, how much attic insulation is soaked and whether walls have to be opened. Roof ice removal is separate.
One ceiling corner
- Ceiling dried or patched
- Attic edge checked
- Readings
Several rooms and attic
- Wet insulation removed
- Ceiling sections opened
- Dehumidification
Walls and ceilings opened
- Wall tops opened
- Several rooms
- Extended monitoring
Ranges are typical, not a quote: the water category, square footage, material class and how fast drying started move the number most. The water damage cost calculator gives a closer range.
How ice dam water damage is handled, step by step
The tech who does the walkthrough maps moisture before any equipment goes down, and the equipment stays until the readings say dry.
Inspect
The attic and ceilings are checked with meters and thermal imaging.
Remove
Soaked insulation and ruined drywall come out.
Dry
Air movers and dehumidifiers dry wall tops and ceiling framing.
Verify
Readings are logged until the structure is dry.
Signs of ice dam water inside
- Brown stains or bubbling paint where the ceiling meets an exterior wall
- Damp or flattened insulation at the attic edge
- Water running down the inside of a window frame
- Peeling paint or swollen trim high on exterior walls
What the drying covers
Wet attic insulation loses its value and holds water against the ceiling drywall, so it is removed where it is soaked. The tops of exterior walls are opened where meters show water in the cavity, and ceilings are dried or replaced depending on how long they stayed wet. Removing the ice from the roof is a separate roofing job, and roofers commonly use steam so the shingles are not damaged.
Stopping the next one
Ice dams come from warm air leaking into the attic and from thin attic insulation. Sealing attic air leaks and adding insulation keeps the roof deck cold. The University of Minnesota Extension publishes ice dam prevention guidance, and Ready.gov covers winter storm preparation. Storm leaks through damaged shingles are covered on the roof leak page.
Ice dam water damage across the city and Anoka County
Coverage runs across ZIP 55304, from the Bunker Lake Boulevard and Hanson Boulevard corridors to the homes around Crooked Lake and Round Lake, the Coon Creek corridor, the Rum River side and the larger rural lots in the north of the city.
Nearby coverage reaches Ham Lake, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Blaine, Ramsey, Oak Grove, Spring Lake Park, East Bethel.
See every neighborhood and nearby city coveredRelated water damage services
Ice Dam Water Damage questions in Andover, MN
Water still coming in?
Ice dam water coming through the ceiling? The drying team handles it 24/7.
(888) 432-4933 (888) 432-4933Get the ice dam leak driedWhy does an ice dam leak inside the house?
The ice ridge at the eaves traps meltwater on the roof. With nowhere to drain, the water backs up under the shingles and runs into the attic and the tops of the walls.
Is ice dam damage covered by insurance?
Many homeowners policies cover sudden interior water damage from ice dams, while roof or gutter repair may be treated differently. Coverage depends on your policy, so check with your own insurer.
Should I chip the ice off the roof?
No. Chipping and hammering damage shingles and gutters, and working on an icy roof is dangerous. Roofers commonly use steam to remove ice.
Does wet attic insulation have to be replaced?
Fiberglass and cellulose that soaked through lose much of their insulating value and hold water against the ceiling, so soaked sections are usually removed and replaced after drying.
How soon does wet drywall become a mold risk?
Wet drywall and insulation can start growing mold within 24 to 48 hours, which is why drying starts as soon as the leak is found.
How do I stop ice dams from coming back?
Seal air leaks into the attic, add insulation and keep attic vents clear so the roof deck stays cold. Raking snow off the lower roof edge also helps.
Ceiling stained from an ice dam? Get the drying started.
Meltwater soaks attic insulation and the tops of walls before stains spread. The drying team removes what is wet and dries the rest.
(888) 432-4933Ice dam water help, 24/7