As a tough Michigander, I am used to the bitter cold temperatures, icy roads, and snowy winters. However, this winter has struck us fast, pelted us with cold temps, and dumped a lot of snow with no melting in sight. In fact, as of the date of this writing, it is still autumn, and the snow and cold are showing no signs of letting up!
Worst-case scenario, my roof could have some damage due to the amount of wet snow we’ve received, as well as the ice dams that may have formed from icicles. Should this be the case (which I pray it is not), I think my homeowner’s insurance covers this type of situation.
If that is the case, I hope they do not try to shortchange me on coverage or try to find some loophole to avoid covering potential damage. Anyway, if they do, I could always hire a public claims adjuster, thankfully; I have one in Michigan who is a client of ours and whom I trust.
Either way, I know I have been a responsible homeowner for the last twenty-three years by regularly maintaining these areas, inspecting the roof, and clearing the gutters. Furthermore, my home is not old; it was built in 1994 and should be in good shape.
Insurance brokers at Insurance.com report the following regarding snow damage coverage, “Homeowners insurance covers most damage caused by winter weather, including damage from blizzards and ice storms, such as:
- Wind damage: Trees and branches falling on your home, damage to the roof and other structures
- Damage from the weight of snow and ice: Damage to the roof, gutters and other structures from heavy snow and ice
- Damage caused by frozen pipes: Water damage to the interior of your home and your personal property due to frozen pipes that burst
It’s important to be aware that there are exclusions and limitations to your coverage.
Heavy snow accumulations and ice can damage gutters, roofs, decks and downed trees. Standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by snow and ice. That includes damage caused by fallen trees or branches.
If ice forms on your gutters and prevents runoff from draining properly, it can cause water to build up and seep into your home. This sort of damage is generally covered,”.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional contractor advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a professional when necessary.
Do icicles mean ice dams
Okay, I know for a fact that icicles have formed off the edges of my roof and gutters. But is there a difference between icicles and an ice dam? Let’s see what the experts say.
According to the professionals at Focus on Energy, they state how to tell if you have ice dams or just icicles by presenting the following: “Here are a few quick tips:
• Do you have icicles? Not all icicles mean ice dams, but here are the things to watch for:
Ice forming on the siding/exterior surfaces of your home
Ice and icicles forming along the overhangs of your roof
Ice filling your gutters
Icicles forming with thick bases along the edge of your roof
Icicles forming a ridge along the edge of your roof
Icicles that are brown or yellowed. This is an indication that water has seeped under the shingles
Generally, the larger the icicles that form, the more likely they are to create an ice dam
• Is there water running down your house? Water dripping down your siding or dripping from the underside of your roof where it overhangs the house is a sign that ice could form and lead to an ice dam.
• Do you see water stains or moisture inside your attic of home? The presence of water stains or moisture along the ceiling of your attic, or along the ceiling of exterior walls can indicate that you have an ice dam and that water has been able to penetrate your home through the roof,”.
Since I have about six inches of wet snow on a peaked roof, I think I am okay, but the icicles forming an ice dam seem troubling. So, it looks like I’ll need my contractor to take a look and give me their professional opinion on what I should do.
Can heavy snow collapse a roof?
With fifteen inches of snow already, I am going to take a wild guess and say we are ahead of normal snowfall compared to recent years because it is quite an unusual amount to receive so early in the season.
Although I do enjoy seeing a snow-covered landscape, we have had so much snow and freezing cold weather without any melting that I am concerned about the safety of my home, specifically my roof and gutters, as there are many inches of snow and an abundance of icicles forming in certain corners of my roof.
The meteorologists at the National Weather Service explain that, “Ice dams are most common in northern climates. They occur when heavy snow buildup melts during the day and then refreezes when temperatures drop overnight.
After several days of melting-freezing cycles, it’s common for the melted water and ice to work up under the shingles until water enters the attic and eventually does damage to the ceilings, wall and contents. In cases where the ice dam goes unnoticed for an extended period of time, it can do significant damage to the building and its contents,”.
Oh gosh, now I am definitely calling my contractor today to investigate before there are more than just pretty icicles hanging off my house and forming ice dams under my shingles!
Does homeowners insurance cover snow damage
In conclusion, snow and ice can be beautiful but also destructive. The good news is that most homeowners’ insurance policies cover winter damage, though some exclusions may apply.
As long as I remain proactive with maintenance and consult with my trusted professionals, I can hopefully ensure peace of mind. Preparation today will help to protect my home from Pure Michigan’s toughest winters.