Ice Dam Roof Leaks in Rhode Island

What is an ice dam?

The University of Minnesota Extension describes an ice dam as a ridge of ice along the roof edge that keeps melting snow from draining. Water pools behind it, finds gaps in the roofing, and can run into the attic, exterior walls and ceilings. (UMN Extension)

How much snow and cold does Rhode Island get?

NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for T.F. Green Airport show about 36.6 inches of snow a year, mostly in December (7.6 in.), January (10.3 in.), February (10.5 in.) and March (6.4 in.). The same station averages about 109 nights a year at or below 32°F. Ice dams need snow on the roof plus below-freezing air at the eaves. (NOAA 1991–2020 normals via RIDEM)

Averages for one station. Conditions in other towns differ; the Rhode Island flood and water damage risk by town guide covers local flood history.

Why do ice dams form?

According to UMN Extension, ice dams form when upper parts of the roof stay above 32°F while the edge stays below freezing. Snow melts higher up and refreezes at the eaves. (UMN Extension) The heat mostly comes from the house:

• Warm air leaking into the attic around light fixtures and other ceiling openings, which UMN calls the main cause in many homes.
• Heat conducted through thin insulation, especially along sloped ceilings.
• Bath and kitchen exhausts that end just above the roof, chimneys, and leaky ducts in the attic.

What can you do while water is coming in?

• Remove snow from the roof with a roof rake from the ground. UMN notes this can damage roofing materials.
• In an emergency, a channel through the dam lets trapped water drain. UMN suggests hosing with tap water on a warm day, working up from the lower edge. The channel only lasts a few days.
• Dry wet areas right away. UMN warns that moisture from ice dams can lead to mold and mildew; see the mold guide.

How do you stop ice dams from coming back?

UMN Extension’s long-term fix is to air-seal the ceiling first so warm air can’t reach the attic, then add insulation. It recommends a weatherization contractor who can run a blower door test and use an infrared camera to find heat loss. It also advises waiting until ceilings and walls are dry before interior repairs, and fixing the heat loss at the same time so the damage doesn’t repeat. (UMN Extension)

Triple-I adds two seasonal habits: clear gutters of leaves and debris, and watch for ice dams near downspouts. (Triple-I)

Does homeowners insurance cover ice dam leaks?

Triple-I says standard homeowners policies cover damage caused by wind, snow and ice. It also says flooding isn’t covered, and melting snow that seeps in from the ground up falls under flood insurance. (Triple-I) The insurer decides each claim; the Rhode Island insurance FAQ has more.

Ice dam questions

Ice dam leak help by town

• Westerly
• Charlestown
• South Kingstown
• Narragansett
• North Kingstown
• Exeter
• Hopkinton
• Block Island
• Barrington
• Bristol
• Warren
• Warwick
• West Warwick
• Coventry
• East Greenwich
• Cranston
• Providence
• Newport
• Johnston
• Pawtucket
• East Providence
• Middletown
• Portsmouth
• Jamestown
• Richmond
• Woonsocket
• Lincoln
• All 39 Rhode Island towns

Other service guides: Burst Pipe Cleanup, Storm Damage Cleanup, Water Damage Restoration, Flooded Basement Cleanup, Mold Inspection & Removal, Sewage Backup Cleanup, Cost Guide. RI Water Damage Help home.