Ice Dam and Roof Leak Damage Repair
When an ice dam forms along the eaves, meltwater backs up under the shingles and into the attic, walls and ceilings. DKI Simcoe Muskoka protects the roof, extracts the water, dries the attic and walls, checks for mould and rebuilds, for homes, cottages and businesses across Simcoe County, Muskoka and Parry Sound. Call 1-800-228-7739 any time, day or night.
What Causes Ice Dams in the Simcoe and Muskoka Snowbelt
An ice dam starts with heat. Warm air leaks from the house into the attic and warms the roof deck, so snow melts on the upper roof even when it is well below freezing outside. The meltwater runs down to the cold eaves and freezes again. Each cycle builds the ridge of ice higher, until water pools behind it and works its way up under the shingles.
Barrie, Orillia, Collingwood, Midland and much of Muskoka sit in the snowbelt, where lake-effect snow off Georgian Bay piles heavy loads on roofs and freeze-thaw cycles keep feeding the ice. Older homes with thin attic insulation, unsealed pot lights and bath fans vented into the attic are hit hardest.
Heavy icicles are the warning sign. Where icicles hang thick along the eaves, there is usually an ice dam behind them holding back water.
Signs an Ice Dam Is Leaking Into Your Home
Thick Ice Along the Eaves
A ridge of ice at the roof edge, often with heavy icicles, means meltwater is pooling behind it.
Ceiling and Wall Stains
Brown stains, peeling paint or bubbling drywall near exterior walls and above windows.
Water at Lights and Windows
Drips from pot lights, bathroom fans or the tops of window and door frames during a thaw.
A Wet or Frosty Attic
Damp insulation, frost on roofing nails or dark staining on the underside of the roof deck.
What to Do When an Ice Dam Leaks
These steps limit the damage until help arrives. Stay off the roof: ice and snow make it dangerous, and chopping at the ice damages the shingles.
1. Catch the Water
Put buckets and towels under the drips, and move furniture, rugs and electronics out of the way.
2. Make Light Fixtures Safe
If water is coming through a pot light or bath fan, turn that circuit off at the panel and don’t use the fixture until it has been checked.
3. Watch the Ceiling
If drywall is sagging with water, keep everyone out from under it and put a bucket beneath the lowest point. Call us before it gives way.
4. Photograph and Call Us
Photograph the damage inside and the ice from the ground, report it to your insurer, then call 1-800-228-7739.
How We Repair Ice Dam Damage
The first job is to stop more water getting in. Once the roof is protected, we deal with the inside, tracking moisture readings every day until the attic, framing and drywall are dry. Because we handle both the water damage and the rebuild, you deal with one company and your adjuster gets one complete file.
Emergency Roof Protection
Damaged or leaking roof sections are tarped as soon as it is safe to be on the roof.
Water Extraction
Water is extracted from floors and carpets, and trapped water is drained from ceilings in a controlled way.
Wet Insulation Removal
Soaked attic insulation and ceiling materials are removed so the roof deck and framing can dry.
Attic and Structural Drying
Air movers and dehumidifiers dry the attic, walls and ceilings to measured dry standards.
Mould Inspection
Where water has sat under the snow for weeks, we check for mould and remove it under containment.
Roof and Interior Repairs
Our own crews repair roofing, insulation, drywall, paint and trim to finish the job.
Emergency Roof Tarping and Board-Up
When ice, a heavy snow load, high wind or a fallen tree opens up a roof, the priority is keeping the next storm out. Our crews tarp damaged roof sections and board up broken windows and openings to protect the building until permanent repairs can be made.
Most insurance policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after a loss, and emergency tarping is part of that. We photograph the damage before it is covered, so your adjuster can see exactly what happened. For wind, hail and tree damage, see our storm and impact damage service.
How to Prevent Ice Dams Next Winter
The lasting fix is a cold roof: keep heat in the house and out of the attic.
Seal Attic Air Leaks
Seal gaps around pot lights, plumbing stacks, the attic hatch and wall top plates.
Top Up the Insulation
Bring attic insulation up to current levels so heat stays in the living space.
Open the Vents
Keep soffit and roof vents clear so cold air can move under the roof deck.
Vent Fans Outside
Bathroom and kitchen fans should exhaust outdoors, never into the attic.
Rake the Lower Roof
Use a roof rake from the ground to pull snow off the lower few feet after big storms.
Clear the Eavestroughs
Clean out eavestroughs and downspouts before winter so meltwater can drain.
Heat cables treat the symptom, not the cause. They can help on a problem spot, but never chip at an ice dam with a hammer or axe: it damages the shingles and can cause a fall.
Is Ice Dam Damage Covered by Insurance?
Many Ontario home policies cover sudden water damage inside the home caused by an ice dam, such as stained ceilings, wet insulation and damaged drywall. The ice dam itself, the cost of removing the ice, and repairs to a roof that was already worn or poorly maintained are often not covered.
Report the leak early and take reasonable steps to limit the damage. We document the source of the water, the extent of the damage and the work needed, with photos and moisture readings, and we work directly with your adjuster.
Coverage varies. Check your policy or call your broker to confirm what yours includes.
Ice Dam and Roof Leak Repair Near You
We repair ice dam and roof leak damage across the snowbelt, in Barrie, Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Midland and Penetanguishene, south to Innisfil and Bradford, and north through Muskoka to Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville and Parry Sound.
Related services: water damage restoration, storm and impact damage, mould removal and frozen pipe and cottage water damage. Call 1-800-228-7739 any time.
DKI - Simcoe Muskoka Offers...
At DKI - Simcoe Muskoka, we know that dealing with property damage is overwhelming—that’s why our crews are ready to respond 24/7, every day of the year. With roots going back to 1961 and IICRC-certified technicians, we bring the knowledge, speed, and care needed to restore your home or business efficiently. From the moment you call, a dedicated Project Manager will guide you through the process, keeping you informed every step of the way. Our team is committed to delivering high-quality results while providing the compassion and support you need to get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
Quick Mobilization
24/7 emergency restoration and board-up services available 365 days a year.
Expertise
Fully trained and certified IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) staff, backed by a company that has been building and restoring since 1961.
Strong Communication
A project Manager assigned to your claim from start to finish, updating you throughout the process.
Quality Assurance
Making sure you are happy with the final result of the work done and standing behind the work we do.
Compassionate Team
We understand how hard the situation is and our team will do what we can to get you back to normal sooner.
Ice Dam and Roof Leak Questions
What homeowners ask us most about ice dams, roof leaks and winter water damage.
Should I remove an ice dam myself?
We don’t recommend it. Climbing onto an icy roof is dangerous, and chipping at the ice with a hammer, axe or shovel damages shingles and can make the leak worse. Pull snow off the lower part of the roof with a roof rake from the ground, and have the ice itself removed by a professional using low-pressure steam.
Why do I only get ice dams on part of my roof?
Ice dams form where heat escapes into the attic, so they cluster above warm spots such as pot lights, bathroom fans, the attic hatch, chimneys and poorly insulated sections. Valleys, dormers and low-slope sections that hold more snow are also prone.
Can an ice dam cause mould?
Yes. Water that soaks attic insulation, the roof deck or wall cavities can stay damp for weeks under the snow, and mould can follow. Wet insulation should be removed and the attic dried, with moisture readings to confirm it is dry before anything is closed up.
Does home insurance cover ice dam damage?
Interior water damage caused by an ice dam is covered by many Ontario home policies, but removing the ice and repairing a worn or poorly maintained roof often are not. Check with your broker. We document the damage with photos and moisture readings and work directly with your adjuster.
How quickly can you tarp a damaged roof?
We dispatch around the clock and give you a realistic arrival time when you call. Tarping is done only when it is safe to be on the roof; in high wind or freezing rain we protect the interior first and tarp as soon as conditions allow.
Do heat cables stop ice dams?
They can keep a channel open in a problem spot, such as over an entrance or along a valley, but they don’t fix the heat loss that causes the ice dam. Air sealing, insulation and attic ventilation are the long-term solution.
Have An Emergency?
Call Us Right Away
Emergency Line
1-800-228-7739