Ice Damning Warning Signs

It is not uncommon this time of year to see water stains at wall and ceiling corners where you have never seen it before.

Typically this type of water entry is caused from a phenomenon called "ice damning". Ice damning occurs when we have snow and ice followed by above freezing temperatures. The surface snow and ice melt and pool in an area that the ice was too thick to thaw at the same rate. It then re-freezes at night as the temperatures drop making the block of ice even thicker. The next day the same cycle happens. The pond gets deeper and eventually goes over the top of the flashing and enters the house at the wall, soffit or the roof deck. Once this happens you see either water staining or wet spots on the inside walls, ceilings or floors.

This is something that should not be ignored, over time mold and wood rot came develop. If you see this at your home or building have it looked at sooner rather than later.