There’s nothing like winter in New York, watching the snow fall as you settle in by the fireplace. However, as most Long Island homeowners know, the falling snow and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your roof. Ice dams - a shelf of ice that is formed at the edge of the roof - can cause major flooding issues that create lasting damage to the structure of your home.  

Ice Damming Explained

Ice dams are very common in New York and other northern states, where snow and below-freezing temperatures occur throughout the winter months. Heat rises from the living area and escapes out of the attic, causing snow on the roof to melt. The resulting snowmelt pours off the roof, and freezes on roof overhangs where there is no heat from inside. As this happens day after day, a block of ice forms at the edge of the roof, preventing more water from sliding off the roof and causing an even larger dam. Eventually, the snowmelt has nowhere to go, and it leaks under the shingles of the roof, flooding into the attic space. 

Negative Effects of Ice Dams

Long Island homeowners know how serious an ice dam can be. The flooding caused by ice dams can seep into the walls, ceiling, and insulation of your attic or home. This moisture can cause a mold infestation that may be difficult to remove. When a mold infestation develops, it can cause serious, long-term health effects for your family. Exposure to even the smallest infestations can cause asthma, allergies, and other chronic respiratory problems.

If left untreated, water blocked by an ice dam can cause significant structural damage to your home. Over time, water can seep into your paint and sheetrock, and even cause the wood inside your home to rot away. Ice damming can also rip exterior shingles and gutters off your home, creating a potential hazard for your family, your neighbors, and your property.  

What Do I Do If My Home Is Damaged From Flooding? 

If your home experiences water damage from ice dams this winter, it’s important to call a remediation professional as soon as possible. Removing any standing water and thoroughly drying out the obviously flooded areas is just the first step. A remediation professional will use specialized equipment to ensure things like sheetrock and insulation are fully dry, preventing mold growth and future damage.    

As a locally-owned company, Total Restoration Industries understands the challenges that Long Island homeowners face every winter. We’ve helped homeowners for over 30 years of New York winters, and our expert specialists have seen it all. We are available 24/7/365, and our team is always ready to answer your call.

Our expert specialists aim to bring you fast, total peace of mind, every time. We will work with your insurance company on your behalf to lower the out-of-pocket cost to you and keep your home and environment safe. If you experience a flooding event in Long Island due to snowmelt or ice dams this winter, call 516-333-5333 around the clock and our team of highly-trained technicians will be on-site as soon as possible