Date: February 19, 2008
For more information contact: Mikaela Reck, Public Information Officer, (608) 267-9336 or mikaela.reck@wisconsin.gov

Insurance Commissioner cautions consumers of ice dams

Madison, WI—As snow continues to fall throughout Wisconsin, Insurance Commissioner Sean Dilweg urges residents to pay attention to their roofs to prevent home damage caused by ice dams.

Ice dams form when melting snow runs down the slope of the roof and refreezes near the edge. As more snow melts and runs down the roof, water builds up behind the ice dam and may seep into the home, damaging walls, carpeting and cabinets.

"The amount of snow we've received this year has created perfect conditions for ice dams," said Dilweg. "It's important for homeowners to watch for ice dams and work to prevent them before they become an issue."

Dilweg offers the following tips for preventing ice dams:

• Remove the snow from the bottom portion of your roof using a "roof rake" or a push broom. Do not climb on the roof.
• Limit the number of times you remove the snow to save your shingles from becoming damaged.
• Avoid chipping away at the ice as this can cause further damage to your roof and shingles.
• Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and other obstructions to allow for water to flow freely to the ground.
• Keep your attic well ventilated. The colder your attic is, the less melting and refreezing will occur on your roof.
• Keep the attic well insulated from the rest of the house to minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from within the house.
• Check with a professional contractor to do an in-home evaluation.

"It is also beneficial to periodically review your homeowner's insurance policy to make sure you have sufficient coverage to protect your assets," Dilweg added.

For information about filing an insurance claim after an ice dam has caused damage to your home, contact your insurance agent or company.

Publications like "Consumer's Guide to Homeowner's Insurance" and "Settling Property Insurance Claims" are available on the OCI Web site at oci.wi.gov. Publications can also be ordered free from the agency by calling 1-800-236-8517 or writing to OCI Publications at P. O. Box 7873, Madison, WI 53707-7873.

Created by the Legislature in 1871, Wisconsin's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) was vested with broad powers to ensure that the insurance industry responsibly and adequately met the insurance needs of Wisconsin citizens. Today, OCI's mission is to lead the way in informing and protecting the public and responding to its insurance needs.