Severe Ice Dam Damage: Insurance Claims, Repairs, and Renovation Opportunities
How do I know if ice dam damage is severe?
Ice dam damage is severe when water has reached structural components, insulation, drywall, flooring, or electrical systems. Signs include water stains spreading across ceilings or down walls, drywall that's soft or sagging, visible mould or a persistent musty smell, warped flooring near exterior walls, and electrical fixtures exposed to moisture. If water has been sitting inside wall or ceiling cavities, materials need to come out — not just dry out.
Does homeowner insurance cover ice dam damage?
Most homeowner policies cover sudden water damage from ice dams, though coverage varies by policy. The claims process involves documenting damage with photos and video, filing a claim, having an adjuster assess the scope, getting contractor estimates, and negotiating the final settlement. Coverage typically applies to the interior damage and restoration — not to fixing the underlying roof or insulation issues that allowed the ice dam to form.
How can a contractor help with an ice dam insurance claim?
A contractor experienced with insurance restoration can meet with your adjuster, provide detailed scopes of work, and ensure hidden damage isn't missed in the assessment. Adjusters see many claims and may overlook structural damage, moisture in cavities, or mould behind finishes. Having a contractor document and explain the full scope often results in more accurate coverage. We handle demolition, structural repair, and finish work so you deal with one contractor through the entire process. View examples of our work on our exterior projects page.
What does severe ice dam repair involve?
Severe ice dam repair requires removing damaged drywall, insulation, and trim to expose the structure, assessing sheathing and framing for rot or mould, drying and treating structural elements, replacing insulation and vapour barriers, restoring interior finishes, and repairing exterior components like soffits, fascia, and roofing. Depending on extent, work may affect multiple rooms or an entire section of the home.
Should I add on to my home during ice dam repairs?
If a section of your home needs significant demolition and rebuild, this may be the most cost-effective time to expand or reconfigure. Adding square footage, improving insulation, or upgrading finishes costs less when walls are already open, permits are in process, and a contractor is mobilized. If you've been considering a home addition, a larger kitchen, or a primary suite, major repair work creates an opportunity to combine projects and reduce overall cost and disruption.
What should I do if I have severe ice dam damage?
Contact us to discuss the scope. We'll help you understand what's involved, work with your insurance adjuster, and determine whether restoration is an opportunity to do more than replace what was there.
Odin Agnuk Ltd. handles insurance restoration, structural repairs, and home additions throughout Grey County and the Greater Toronto Area.