We have snow! What could cause water inside?
Jason Hicks • January 10, 2025
Ice Damming, what is it?
Ice damming occurs when snow on a roof melts, usually due to heat escaping from the attic or an unevenly heated roof and then refreezes at the eaves (the edges of the roof). This creates a "dam" of ice that prevents additional melting snow from properly draining off the roof. Instead, the water pools behind the ice dam and can seep under shingles, potentially causing roof leaks, water damage, and even structural problems. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Snow Accumulation: Snow builds up on the roof during a winter storm.
Melting: Warm air inside the attic or heat from the sun causes the snow to melt at the higher, warmer parts of the roof.
Refreezing: As the melted snow flows down the roof, it reaches the colder eaves or edges of the roof where it refreezes, forming an ice dam.
Water Pooling: The ice dam blocks further melted snow from draining, causing water to pool behind it.
Leakage: Over time, this pooled water can work its way under the shingles, potentially penetrating the roofing underlayment and causing leaks inside the home.
Potential Consequences of Ice Damming
Roof Damage: Water infiltration can rot roof decking and compromise the roof structure.
Gutter Damage: Ice dams can weigh down and damage gutters.
Interior Water Damage: Water may seep into walls, ceilings, and insulation, leading to stains, mold, and structural issues.
Preventing Ice Damming
Proper Insulation: Ensure the attic is well-insulated to keep heat from escaping and warming the roof.
Ventilation: Adequate attic ventilation helps maintain a consistent roof temperature.
Snow Removal: Safely remove snow from the roof using tools like a roof rake to minimize melting and refreezing.
Ice and Water Shield: Install an ice and water shield membrane under the shingles, especially at the roof edges.
Heating Cables: Use electric heating cables along the eaves to prevent ice from forming.
Addressing ice damming early can help protect the roof and avoid costly repairs.
To the homeowner reading this, I'll be straight with you: I'm not a 30-year veteran. I've been in roofing and insurance claims for 4 years — involved in 83 jobs from first inspection all the way through final payment, including the full claims and supplement process on every one. I'm based in North Texas — serving homeowners in Melissa, McKinney, Frisco, Dallas, and the surrounding area. I know the storms that come through here, I know the local codes, and I know what adjusters in this market look for. What I learned in those 4 years would take most homeowners a lifetime to figure out on their own. That's exactly why I wrote this. The moment that changed everything: I reviewed an insurance estimate for a homeowner who thought everything looked fine. Line by line, I found nearly $30,000 in missed and underpaid items. Adjusters review dozens of claims a week — at that pace, missing line items is common. That's exactly my job: catch everything that was missed, document it thoroughly, and get it approved. The homeowner had their money within a week. The problem isn't that insurance companies are evil. The problem is that homeowners don't know what they don't know. They get a document full of industry jargon, a check that feels significant, and assume the system worked. Whether you choose to work with me or someone else entirely — the information in this guide will protect you either way. That's the point. Read it all. Use the checklist. And if you have questions — reach out directly. That offer is real.
At Right On Roofing, we believe that protecting your home starts with doing things the right way—every time. When you choose us, you’re working with a roofing contractor that is trusted, certified, insured, and committed to quality workmanship in every project we take on. Registered & Approved in Your Community We are a registered contractor with local cities and jurisdictions throughout North Texas and East Texas. That means when we’re putting a roof on your home, you can have confidence knowing we’re properly approved and accountable to the standards that protect homeowners. Fully Insured for Your Peace of Mind Your home is your biggest investment—and we take that seriously. Right On Roofing carries million-dollar contractor liability insurance so that you’re protected while we work on your property. This is a level of protection many small contractors can’t provide, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Certified Quality with TAMKO Gold Pro We are proud to be a TAMKO Gold Pro Certified Contractor, which means we meet the highest standards of professionalism, product knowledge, and installation expertise. This certification allows us to provide extended warranties and gives our customers the assurance that their roof is installed to manufacturer specifications. Permits, Materials & Warranties That Last We don’t cut corners. Right On Roofing pulls permits for every job to ensure your roof meets local building codes. We only use A-plus grade roofing materials backed by strong manufacturer warranties, so your roof is built to last for decades—not just years. Serving North & East Texas with Integrity From the suburbs of DFW to the heart of East Texas, we proudly serve: Anna, Melissa, Howe, McKinney, Frisco, Plano, Allen, and Fairview Celeste, Leonard, Blue Ridge, Bonham, and surrounding communities Wherever you’re located in North or East Texas, our mission is simple: deliver a high-quality roof with honest service, certified craftsmanship, and lasting peace of mind. Ready for a Roof You Can Rely On? Call Right On Roofing today at 214-585-7391 and let us protect your home the right way.
