Ice Dam Damage: What to Fix and When to Call a Contractor
Ice dams form when heat escapes through the roof, melts snow, and the water refreezes at the roof edge. The ice builds up, traps water behind it, and that water backs up under shingles and into places it was never meant to go. The damage often isn't visible until spring — or until you notice a stain on your ceiling.
What Ice Dams Damage
Soffits and fascia. Water backing up under the roof edge soaks into soffits and fascia boards. Wood rots. Paint peels. Aluminum or vinyl can warp or pull away from fasteners.
Gutters. The weight of ice can bend, crack, or tear gutters off entirely. Brackets fail. Downspouts separate at seams.
Roof sheathing. Water that gets under shingles soaks into the plywood beneath. Over time this causes rot, mould, and structural weakness.
Attic and insulation. Moisture in the attic wets insulation, reducing its effectiveness and creating conditions for mould growth.
Interior ceilings and walls. Water that makes it past the roof sheathing shows up as stains, bubbling paint, or soft drywall — usually along exterior walls or where the ceiling meets the roofline.
Cosmetic vs. Structural Damage
Some ice dam damage is cosmetic — peeling paint, minor staining, surface rust on gutters. This can often wait for warmer weather and may be manageable as DIY work.
Structural damage is different. Soft or spongy fascia, sagging soffits, visible mould, or recurring ceiling stains mean water has been sitting long enough to compromise materials. This requires proper assessment and repair, not just paint.
When to Call a Contractor
Call a contractor if you see any of the following: wood rot in soffits or fascia, gutters pulling away from the house, sagging or discoloured roof edges, ceiling stains that return after repainting, mould in the attic, or soft spots in exterior trim.
These indicate damage beyond surfaces — and patching over the visible problem without addressing what's underneath leads to bigger repairs later.
A proper repair often involves removing damaged materials, inspecting sheathing and framing, correcting any moisture or ventilation issues, and replacing components with materials suited to the climate. For exterior repairs using durable, weather-resistant materials, visit our exterior renovation services page or view completed work on our exterior projects page.
Preventing Future Ice Dams
Ice dams are a symptom of heat escaping into the attic. Long-term prevention means improving attic insulation and ventilation so the roof deck stays cold and snow doesn't melt unevenly. That's a separate project from repairing the damage — but worth considering once you've dealt with the immediate problem.
Next Steps
If you're seeing signs of ice dam damage on your home's exterior, contact us to discuss what's involved in assessing and repairing it properly.
Odin Agnuk Ltd. repairs and replaces exterior components damaged by ice, water, and weather throughout Grey County and the Greater Toronto Area. We use premium materials built to handle Ontario's climate.