Perfect scenario of events causes ice damming

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

This icicle, more than 12' long, hangs from a gutter outside a bedroom window. This icicle, along with many others, caused extensive ice damming.

February, 2021 in the Chicago area saw a perfect set of circumstances that created a rash of ice damming issues, for homes, businesses, and apartments.

First, a January with above average temperatures and very little precipitation.  February hit us with much colder weather, with repeated snow storms (Chicago got more than a year's snowfall in less than three weeks).  The final week of February and into March saw above freezing temperatures during the day, with below freezing temperatures at night.  The constant freeze/thaw cycle, along with gutters already full of snow and ice, caused many, many homes and businesses with ice damming.

Ice damming occurs when water, with no where else to go,  literally backs up the roof and works its way under shingles and into the home.  Many times this does not damage the roof (especially younger roofs), but for the older roofs it may be the final straw.

Once the water gets inside the home or business, it's free to travel wherever it wants, soaking walls, floors, carpets, and furniture.

If this happens to you, call the water experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We have the right technology and protocols to dry out your home or business, while saving structure that hasn't been compromised.