BBB tips: How to fix ice dams and winter storm damage

Milwaukee, Wis. – When major snowfall impacts an area, it’s not uncommon for problematic companies to capitalize on the situation. Historically, out-of-state contractors will solicit in areas that receive significant storm damage and increase marketing for snow removal and snow damage repair services by soliciting door-to-door and by targeting advertising on social media and websites, such as Craigslist.

As ice dams build on roofs due to an abundance of snow, water damage may result due to melting snow being prevented from draining properly. While it is not unusual for contractors from various construction-related industries to offer assistance in mitigating ice dams and winter storm repair, it is important to do your research and hire companies you can trust.

Professionals point out that when attempting to make winter storm repairs or remove snow and ice from a roof, your safety is most important. If you are unable to make repairs on your own or remove snow and ice from a roof in a safe manner, BBB can help by providing a list of local BBB Accredited Businesses who specialize in the type of repairs needed or provide ice and snow removal services. Companies that obtain the seal of BBB accreditation have been found to meet and abide by BBB Standards regarding maintaining a positive track record in the marketplace.

To find a list of BBB Accredited Businesses providing ice and snow removal from roofs, go to BBB Search at bbb.org and search by the type of business, such as “Snow Removal Service” or “Roofing Contractors” in your area.

Hiring A Snow Removal Service Contractor

• There is a wide range of fees being charged for ice and snow removal. Make sure to ask questions: Is the hourly fee per job or worker? Does it include the removal of snow from driveways and walks? Some companies charge a “flat fee,” plus an hourly fee just to go to your home; ask what is included in the “flat fee”. Obtain all of this information in the form of a written contract and avoid paying the full fee in advance.
• Does a municipality require the contractor to have a permit or license? Before you hire anyone, make some calls to find out and then check to make sure the contractor is appropriately covered.
• Make sure that the company has CURRENT liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
• Check the contractor’s vehicle. See if it has signs or markings on it with the business name, phone number and license plates for your state.
• Expect that a contractor may not be able to provide immediate service, especially during an unexpected major snowfall. Many contractors are receiving a lot of calls and can’t set up appointments for several days.
• Understand that there is no guarantee that the problem won’t happen again. Many contractors are having customers signing waivers stating that they aren’t responsible for damage incurred by their ice and snow removal and there is no guarantee against future ice buildup.
• Be careful of contractors soliciting door-to-door. Ask for proof of the company’s reliability; how long the company has been in business, a business card and physical contract with the name, address and phone number of the company, references and contact your BBB to see if the company has a Business Profile.
• Contractors should supply the homeowner with an estimate for repairs caused by damage. It’s generally recommended to obtain at least three estimates. Some contractors may tell you that you don’t need to see an estimate and that they’ll send it directly to your insurance company. Insist that you get a copy.

Remedies – Short Term

• A “short-term” remedy is to create water runoffs through the ice and snow so there is water discharge off a roof. Creating the runoff may unavoidably damage the roof. This unavoidable damage is a tradeoff, but may be less severe than the interior damage caused by leaking water.
• Some contractors may suggest that rock salt or calcium chloride be used to melt the ice and snow. This again may cause unavoidable damage. Some manufacturers of roof shingles don’t suggest this, as it may cause damage to the shingles and void the manufacturer’s warranty.
• Ice in gutters and downspouts is virtually impossible to remove without damage. In many cases, the gutter system has to be removed from the roof to allow for water to discharge. This may not eliminate ice dams that are caused by interior heat.
• Flat roofs in which the drains freeze will trap water on the roof system. The trapped water may accumulate to levels higher than the roof flashings, resulting in water leaks. The downspout needs to be removed and the drain may have to be cleared of ice so there is discharge.
• Skylights covered with ice and snow may cause leaking because of their “weep holes” being covered. Internal condensation can’t escape causing water. Make sure the contractor is aware that there are skylights, so they don’t damage them if they are buried by snow.
• If inside water leaks occur and form “pools” of water in the ceiling, puncture a small hole in the ceiling and allow water to escape into a container. If water is running near an electrical source, shut down the circuit breaker.
• Never use heating devices, such as torches to melt the ice.

Insurance

• Notify your insurance agent and if you aren’t sure, find out what kind of homeowners’ insurance you carry. Depending on your insurance coverage, certain things may or may not be covered.
• Once a claim is filed, your agent will notify the insurance company, who will assign a claims adjuster. Expect a phone call from the adjuster to discuss the claim or to set up an appointment to inspect the damage. They will be processing many claims, so please be patient.
• Keep good records of ALL costs for repairs.
• Safely attempt to minimize your loss by removing personal property from any damaged area.

For more information or further inquiries, contact the Wisconsin BBB at www.bbb.org/wisconsin, 414-847-6000 or 1-800-273-1002. Consumers also can find more information about how to protect themselves from scams by following the Wisconsin BBB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2020, people turned to BBB more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 6.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at BBB.org. There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada and Mexico, including BBB Serving Wisconsin which was founded in 1939 and serves the state of Wisconsin.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.