Ice Dams — Invisible Roof Leaks with Big Consequences
What Is an Ice Dam?
Heat from the house warms the roof deck, melting snow. Meltwater flows to colder eaves, refreezes, and builds a ridge of ice. Water backs up under shingles and drips into the attic, insulation, and ceilings—often showing up as shadowy stains, peeling paint, or bulging drywall.
Why NJ homes are vulnerable:
- Older or under-insulated attics
- Blocked soffit/ridge vents
- Recessed lights, bath fans, or attic bypasses leaking warm air
Spot the Signs Early
- Roof edge icicles with stains on exterior walls or soffits
- Brown or yellow rings on ceilings after snow
- Frosty nails or damp insulation in the attic
First Steps if You Suspect an Ice Dam Leak
- Protect rooms under the stain (plastic over furniture/floors).
- Relieve pressure by carefully puncturing a tiny hole at the lowest part of a bulging ceiling to drain into a bucket (only if safe).
- Do not chip ice from the roof; you can damage shingles.
- Use a roof rake from the ground to remove loose snow; never climb an icy roof.
- Call AllStates to meter, open selectively, and dry the cavity before mold sets.
Long-Term Prevention
- Air-seal attic penetrations (recessed lights, plumbing stacks) and add insulation to recommended R-values.
- Balanced ventilation: Clear soffit and ridge vents; baffles as needed.
- Roof maintenance: Keep gutters clear; consider heat cables in problem areas (follow manufacturer guidelines).
24–48 Hours: The Mold Window You Can Control
Wet drywall, paper-faced insulation, and wood framing are vulnerable to microbial growth after 24–48 hours. Quick action—stop the source, extract, dry—prevents a small storm mishap from turning into a costly remediation project. Our technicians track temperature, humidity, and material moisture daily and adjust equipment to hit “dry standards” efficiently.
Call to Action
Winter storms don’t have to win. With smart prevention, a clear first-hour plan, and a professional dry-out, you can turn a burst pipe or ice dam into a short detour instead of a season-long headache. If you’re looking at a stain, a puddle, or a suspicious drip, act now—minutes matter.
Need help today—or want a winter readiness checkup?
Call AllStates Restoration at (732) 956-3900 or request service at hireasr.com.
We’ll stop the water, dry the structure, document the loss, and get your home back to warm, safe, and worry-free—fast.
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