Snowmelt. Ice dams. Now what?

If moisture appears when the snow starts melting, that timing matters. Tell the contractor when you notice it, where it shows up, and whether it has happened before. Keep your observations simple and stay off the roof.

If water is entering now, start with what to do about an active roof leak. If your question is about paying for the work, review the roof-insurance questions with your insurer; the presence of ice alone does not establish coverage.

An ice dam is a cause to investigate

An ice dam forms when ice at the roof edge obstructs meltwater drainage. Heat escaping from the house can contribute to melting higher on the roof, followed by refreezing at colder edges. Water may then back up. The University of Minnesota Extension explains this process and the role of air leakage and insulation in its ice-dam guide.

That means a winter leak may need a broader conversation than replacing a gutter or patching a visible spot. Ask what evidence supports the diagnosis and which trade should investigate each part.

What to include in your request

• The rooms or exterior areas where you see moisture or ice.
• Whether the issue appears during rain, snowmelt, or both.
• The approximate date it began and any previous repairs.
• Roof material, if known, and photos taken safely from the ground or indoors.
• Whether access is restricted or the property is a second home.

Do not climb onto a snowy roof, chip roof ice, or put yourself under a roof edge to get a better photo for this form.

Questions for the inspection

Ask what needs checking at the roof surface and what may need investigation from the attic or interior. Have the contractor distinguish the immediate work from any underlying condition that needs a separate assessment.

If more than one provider is needed, ask who coordinates the work and how their scopes connect. Get the proposed repair, exclusions, and follow-up steps in writing.

Planning a new roof or gutter system

For a metal roof or new build, ask the designer or contractor how the plan addresses entrances, walkways, roof transitions, snow movement, and drainage. Have them explain any proposed snow-retention system for the actual roof design.

For gutter work, describe the water path beyond the downspout as well as the visible gutter concern. Ask what is included in the project and what requires separate drainage work.

An active problem should not wait on this form

This website is not an emergency dispatch or roof snow-removal service. Submitting a request does not book a visit. For active damage, contact an available professional directly; for immediate danger, use the appropriate emergency service.