What is ice damming, and is it insured?

Canadian homeowners are no strangers to the whims of winter. From the first snowfall to the last melting icicle, winter brings as much magic as it brings concern over costly home repairs.  

One such frosty foe is ice damming. While it may sound like an obscure winter Olympics event, it’s actually a common issue that can cause significant damage to your home.  

What is ice damming? 

Ice damming occurs when snow on the roof melts due to heat escaping from the house into the attic, warming the roof. The melted snow then flows down the roof and re-freezes at the edge where the roof is colder, forming an ice dam.  

This dam prevents further meltwater from draining off the roof, causing it to back up under the shingles and potentially leak into the home. This can lead to significant damage to the insulation, structure, and wall finishes in the home. 

In severe cases, it can damage the shingles themselves and the gutters. The weight of ice build-up can bend or twist the gutters, tearing them right off the house. 

Read more: Protect your home from water damage, and save on insurance in the process 

Your standard home insurance policy might not cover ice damming 

While you might assume your home insurance policy covers damage from snow and ice – considering the Canadian climate – in most cases, it doesn’t.  

However, the factors that lead to ice damming may be covered under an all-perils policy. Although the specifics may vary in terms of coverage exclusions, most comprehensive ‘all-perils’ policies cover water damage caused by burst pipes, plumbing issues and damage caused by the weight of ice, snow, or sleet built up on your property. 

Related: What is an uninsurable peril? 

Adding endorsements to your coverage 

To protect your home from ice damming, you might consider enhancing your standard home insurance policy with either an ‘overland flooding endorsement’ or a ‘sewer backup endorsement’. These add-ons are designed to protect against damage caused by melting snow, ice, or excessive rainfall, which are all factors contributing to ice damming. In addition to protecting your home from ice- and snow-related damage, overland flooding and sewer backup endorsements also safeguards you from flooding – a peril that is becoming more and more common these days.  

While these endorsements broadly cover water-related damages, whether they specifically cover damages related to ice damming itself depends on the precise terms and conditions of your individual policy. 

Some insurance providers offer a distinct endorsement specifically for ‘ice damming and roof drain backup’ coverage. But the availability of such specific endorsements can vary across different insurance companies. 

Related: Three home insurance endorsements to consider based on where you live 

Preventive measures against ice damming 

As a general rule, even if you opt for those additional coverages, the homeowner is responsible for routine maintenance to prevent certain risks. This means that claims related to lack of maintenance, such as unclean gutters or a deteriorating roof due to neglect, are not covered.   

Here are some tips to keep your pockets and home healthy through the winter: 

Insulate and ventilate your attic: Make sure your attic is adequately insulated and ventilated. This helps to maintain a consistent temperature between your roof and the eaves, preventing the formation of ice dams. 

Check your gutters: Regularly remove any debris, leaves, dirt, and buildup from your eavestrough and downspouts. This allows melted snow to drain freely. 

Roof maintenance: Remove excess amounts of snow from your roof after storms and heavy snowfalls. This can be done yourself, but it might be safer to hire a professional. 

Remove excess snow from your roof: After storms and heavy snowfalls, remove the snow from your roof to prevent it from melting and refreezing. 

Consider installing heated cables: These cables can be installed in a zigzag pattern along the edge of your roof and in your gutters. When turned on, they help melt the snow and ice, preventing ice dams from forming. However, this method consumes energy and may increase your electricity bill.   

Install an ice or water shield: Consider installing an ice or water shield on your roof, especially if it’s due for replacement. The shield, placed under the roof material at eaves (where ice dams commonly form), valleys, and other susceptible spots, creates a waterproof layer that stops water from ice dams from entering the roof and harming the inside of your house. 

Ice damming is highly preventable. By taking these steps, you can protect your home and avoid unexpected costly repairs. Always consult with a professional if you’re unsure about any aspect of ice damming prevention or insurance coverage. 

Read more: How is fault determined in the world of home insurance? 

Is ice and water shield required by code in Ontario? 

In Ontario, the building code has specific provisions for eave protection under certain conditions, which includes the installation of an ice and water shield. The code specifies at least three feet of ice and water shield at the eave. There are exceptions to this rule, such as over unheated garages, carports, and porches, or on roofs with slopes of 1 in 1.5 or greater. 

Deciphering the code and determining the necessity of such a shield can be complicated. A professional roofer will be able to accurately assess whether an ice and water shield is required for a particular roof.