Winter weather in the Kansas City area can be tough on your roof, and ice dams are one of the most common (and damaging) problems we see this time of year. Many homeowners don’t realize they have an ice dam until water starts leaking inside.
Here’s what you need to know about what ice dams are, why they’re dangerous, and how to prevent costly roof damage.
What Is an Ice Dam?
An ice dam forms when snow melts on a warmer part of your roof, flows down toward the colder eaves, and refreezes. Over time, this creates a ridge of ice that blocks proper drainage.
When melting snow has nowhere to go, it can back up under shingles, leading to leaks, damaged insulation, and interior water stains.
Why Ice Dams Are a Big Problem
Ice dams may look harmless, but they can cause serious damage, including:
- Roof leaks and moisture intrusion
- Damaged shingles and underlayment
- Wet insulation and reduced energy efficiency
- Mold growth in attics or walls
- Stained ceilings and drywall damage
We frequently see this type of damage on Kansas City homes after extended freezing temperatures followed by brief warm-ups.
What Causes Ice Dams?
Ice dams usually form due to a combination of factors:
- Poor attic insulation (heat escapes and melts snow unevenly)
- Inadequate ventilation
- Heavy snow accumulation
- Freezing overnight temperatures
- Roof design and slope
In many cases, the issue isn’t the shingles, it’s what’s happening under the roof.
How to Prevent Ice Dam Roof Damage
The good news? Ice dams are preventable.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Schedule a winter roof inspection
- Improve attic insulation and ventilation
- Seal air leaks in the attic
- Remove excess snow safely when possible
- Install ice and water shield during roof replacement
A professional inspection can identify risk areas before leaks happen.
Ice Dams in Kansas City: What We See Most
Local weather patterns, frequent freeze/thaw cycles, make ice dams common across Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Overland Park, and surrounding areas.
If you’ve noticed:
- Large icicles
- Ceiling stains
- Dripping water near exterior walls
…it’s time to have your roof checked.
Schedule a Free Winter Roof Inspection
At Pyramid Roofing, we help homeowners identify and prevent winter roof damage before it becomes expensive.
Schedule your free inspection today and protect your home through the rest of winter. Call 816-966-1101 or if you’re located in Springfield, call our office there at 417-943-4011.
