What are ice dams, and why are they a concern on Faribault homes?

Ice dams are ridges of ice that build up at the eaves of a roof during our long southern-Minnesota winters. Heat escaping from the living space warms the roof deck, snow melts, the water runs down to the cold overhang, and it refreezes, forming a dam that backs water up under the shingles and into walls and ceilings. Faribault's older homes are especially prone because many have under-insulated attics, original or modified framing, and complex rooflines from decades of additions. The damage shows up as ceiling stains, peeling paint, rotted soffits, and hidden mold. During an inspection we look at attic insulation levels and ventilation, evidence of past leaks and staining, ice-dam wear at the eaves, and the condition of soffit and gutter systems, because the root cause is usually attic heat loss and poor ventilation rather than the roof itself. Catching this before you buy lets you budget for insulation and air-sealing. To have a Faribault home checked for ice-dam vulnerability, call us or build a free instant quote online.