Ice dam/homeowners claim question

KristaRose · 02-01-2009, 08:05 AM

I have an ice dam on my roof and it's leaking into my house in a couple of different places (that I can actually see). If I were to put in a homeowner's claim, would they raise my rates "through the roof" or cancel me? Anybody experienced this? I use State Farm.

mrspoppers · 02-01-2009, 11:54 AM

Does your insurance cover this? I don't believe mine would since it's weather-related.

wavycurly40+ · 02-01-2009, 12:09 PM

I don't have an answer -- just empathy and a further quesiton (sorry!) We have struggled with ice dams for years -- the only solution we see is to have some special kind of flashing put in when we replace our roof next year.

What I am wondering is -- what do you want the insurance to pay for: hiring somebody to chip away the ice, repainting, or some kind of structural repair?

We have water stains all over the place from our various ice dam incidents, but we've never done anything about them..... wonder if I"m neglecting some potentially horrible house disaster in the making.

I wish you well!

KristaRose · 02-01-2009, 12:45 PM

I think since it's coming from the roof, it'll cover it. But I'm not sure. As of right now, I have no need to put in a claim. I'm just wondering in case it gets worse before better. I'm concerned about the new flooring we just put in in the living room. I am so sick of winter!!!!! I'm sure many northerners can relate to that statement. This last month has been particularly rough.

wavycurly40+ · 02-01-2009, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kikirose

I think since it's coming from the roof, it'll cover it. But I'm not sure. As of right now, I have no need to put in a claim. I'm just wondering in case it gets worse before better. I'm concerned about the new flooring we just put in in the living room. I am so sick of winter!!!!! I'm sure many northerners can relate to that statement. This last month has been particularly rough.

You got that right! Summer's coming, though. JUST around the corner......

rileyb · 02-01-2009, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrspoppers

Does your insurance cover this? I don't believe mine would since it's weather-related.

Homeowners' covered my friend's claim when a storm ripped off the back half of their roof. We have the same thing going on and have moisture and bubbling in our bedroom ceiling due to a frozen gutter joint. Like the OP, I was wondering if they would cover to have it repaired or if it would even be worth it.

PixieCurl · 02-01-2009, 01:17 PM

What state do you live in? My husband's an agent and we live in NY, so I can ask him for you.

mrspoppers · 02-01-2009, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rileyb

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrspoppers

Does your insurance cover this? I don't believe mine would since it's weather-related.

Homeowners' covered my friend's claim when a storm ripped off the back half of their roof. We have the same thing going on and have moisture and bubbling in our bedroom ceiling due to a frozen gutter joint. Like the OP, I was wondering if they would cover to have it repaired or if it would even be worth it.

It's all so confusing! I know they were saying that most of the damage that occurred in this area after our recent snowstorms wouldn't be covered. And none of the flood damage last winter was covered either. That said, my inlaws had damage in a storm and they got their roof and the water-damaged rooms inside fixed. I don't get it at all.

eche428 · 02-01-2009, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wavycurly40+

I don't have an answer -- just empathy and a further quesiton (sorry!) We have struggled with ice dams for years -- the only solution we see is to have some special kind of flashing put in when we replace our roof next year.

What I am wondering is -- what do you want the insurance to pay for: hiring somebody to chip away the ice, repainting, or some kind of structural repair?

We have water stains all over the place from our various ice dam incidents, but we've never done anything about them..... wonder if I"m neglecting some potentially horrible house disaster in the making.

I wish you well!

Yes, this could lead to huge problems. If you ignore the damage eventually the wood in your soffits and other structural roof members can rot. That can be a hidden expense that a roofer won't know about until they start tearing into the roof.

You should contact a construction/remodelling contractor and see what they advise. A roofing company might be able to do the work but be very careful who you have give you bids. Don't hire the cheapest bidder as there are lots of unscupulous roofing companies out there.

Also, there are heated wire systems that are placed on the roof and keep ice dams from forming.

hayseedlady · 02-01-2009, 03:03 PM

I think it if's preventable it's not covered, flooding is never covered unless you have federal flood insurance. The only thing to do is call your insurance agent and ask.

rileyb · 02-01-2009, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrspoppers

Quote:

Originally Posted by rileyb

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrspoppers

Does your insurance cover this? I don't believe mine would since it's weather-related.

Homeowners' covered my friend's claim when a storm ripped off the back half of their roof. We have the same thing going on and have moisture and bubbling in our bedroom ceiling due to a frozen gutter joint. Like the OP, I was wondering if they would cover to have it repaired or if it would even be worth it.

It's all so confusing! I know they were saying that most of the damage that occurred in this area after our recent snowstorms wouldn't be covered. And none of the flood damage last winter was covered either. That said, my inlaws had damage in a storm and they got their roof and the water-damaged rooms inside fixed. I don't get it at all.

I know for us, floods are not covered by our homeowners' policy, you have to buy specific flood insurance for that, which they recommend you do if you live in a flood plain. It does get confusing about what they consider 'acts of God'.

PixieCurl · 02-01-2009, 07:44 PM

kikirose, my husband said it should most likely be covered. It would depend on what state you're in, but usually it would be considered "standard peril" which is included in almost all policies. If you do file a claim, it will most likely cause your rates to increase at renewal - but not by TOO much. He said if you're noticing damage in a few different spots, it's worth it to file the claim.

KristaRose · 02-02-2009, 04:45 AM

Thanks for checking PixieCurl. (I live in PA, by the way). If I do end up filing something, I'll let everyone know how it ends up. I've still not made the decision.