Will Your Homeowners Insurance Cover Ice Damage On Your Roof?

While snow can transform your yard into a winter wonderland, one unfortunate side effect of that fresh blanket is ice. Ice can severely affect your home, particularly your roof. When an icy buildup, also known as an ice dam, forms, it often traps melting snow. Like the name implies, the dam stops water from draining off the roof. When this happens, will your homeowners' insurance cover ice damage? In many cases, homeowners' insurance may cover this damage, but only under specific conditions. Before assuming your home insurance covers a damaged roof due to an ice dam, you must check your policy carefully. Personal property coverage often won't apply, meaning damaged belongings caused by leaks may not be reimbursed. You will also be subject to a policy limit.

Ice dams can occur anytime after snowfall. They form when heavy snow collects on your roof, melts in the daytime, then refreezes when the temperatures plummet. While sun exposure can help melt the snow, the primary cause is often heat escaping from your home, either from poor insulation, air leaks, or a chimney. This is why you should ensure your home insulation is performing at its best, particularly in the attic. Unable to drain efficiently from the roof, the water then seeps into other areas, including under your shingles, loosening them, and into the attic. If it grows large enough, an ice dam can tear away gutters or, in extreme cases, contribute to roof collapse. All of this damage can come with expensive repair costs, which is why it pays to know how your homeowner's insurance covers the loss.

Ice is considered a covered peril under most homeowners' insurance policies, but exact details differ by company and policy. Many homeowners have an HO-3 home insurance policy, which includes dwelling insurance, or coverage for your property and attached structures. "The weight of snow and ice" is often specified as a covered peril, though again, it pays to double-check. One mistake people may make when buying home insurance is assuming all damage is covered, which makes reviewing your policy essential if issues arise. You should also notice any coverage limits listed and your deductible. For instance, National Real Estate Insurance Group clearly stipulates that the company's coverage doesn't include "awnings, canopies, and fences."

While the insurance company may cover damage sustained from the ice dam, they likely won't cover ice dam removal. DIY removal of an ice dam can be dangerous, as you risk falling, damaging your roofing material, and even electrical hazards. The job is best left to professionals, most of whom will charge $600 to $900 an hour, with the exact amount depending on the size and scope of the removal. When it comes to avoiding ice dams in the future, you can use a snow rake to clear the snow off your roof to lessen the chances they form.