01/27/2026
1. Ice dams form at the roof edge
Warm air from inside your home escapes into the attic.
It warms the roof, melting the snow.
Meltwater runs down to the colder roof edges and refreezes.
That ice ridge traps more meltwater behind it.
Why it matters:
Water backs up under shingles and leaks into the house, even if the roof is in good condition.
💧 2. Water intrusion and leaks
Once water gets under shingles, it can:
Soak insulation
Damage drywall and ceilings
Cause mold growth
Rot wood framing
Even small leaks can spread because water travels along beams before dripping inside.
🏚️ 3. Structural stress
Wet, heavy snow weighs far more than dry snow.
If meltwater refreezes repeatedly, the weight increases.
This can:
Stress rafters
Warp roof decking
Lead to sagging or, in extreme cases, structural failure
🪵 4. Damage to gutters and downspouts
Ice buildup from refreezing meltwater can:
Pull gutters away from the house
Crack downspouts
Cause water to overflow and pool near the foundation
🏠 5. Foundation and basement issues
If meltwater pours off the roof in the wrong places:
Soil around the foundation becomes saturated
Water seeps into basements or crawl spaces
Frost heave can shift or crack foundation walls
🦠 6. Mold and indoor air problems
Persistent moisture from leaks or attic condensation can create:
Mold growth
Musty odors
Poor indoor air quality
🌡️ Why this happens in the first place
Most snow‑melt issues come down to:
Poor attic insulation
Inadequate ventilation
Heat escaping into the attic
Fixing those root causes usually prevents the whole cycle.
Contact All Dry Services promptly if you are experiencing any of the forementioned issues. Call All Dry any time, 717-256-1345.
Clogged or poorly pitched gutters
