Newly Renovated Space? Stay Covered.

In the midst of this mild 2024 winter, it’s important to recall the unpredictable nature of Minnesota winters when they do arrive! Today, let’s discuss the issue of ice dams and home maintenance. The key takeaway is this: ice dams form when melted snow refreezes on roofs, leading to potential home damage. If you have a newly renovated space, ensure proper insurance coverage

In a recent winter, a client completed kitchen renovations only to encounter unforeseen issues. An ice dam formed on the roof, causing water to penetrate the home, damaging both the new kitchen and the entire residence. Shortly after, a warm, rainy spell led to basement flooding. Facing the two separate water-related challenges, our client sought our assistance. We promptly assessed and addressed all water damage throughout the home. With thorough mitigation and removal of affected areas, we seamlessly managed both issues and played a crucial role in the home’s reconstruction efforts.

*Again, when you’re renovating parts of your home, it’s crucial to ensure that your insurance coverage is updated to reflect those improvements. Unfortunately, in our client’s situation, their insurance wasn’t updated, resulting in only partial coverage for their loss.

What to Expect & What to Know:

How do Ice Dams happen? Ice dams occur when snow on a roof melts, then refreezes at the eaves due to cold temperatures, creating a barrier that prevents proper drainage and leads to water backing up under the shingles, potentially causing leaks and water damage inside the home.

To limit the risk of it happening to you, homeowners can prevent ice dams by ensuring proper attic insulation and ventilation to maintain consistent temperatures on the roof, as well as by using roof rakes or heating cables to remove snow buildup before it has a chance to melt and refreeze at the eaves, thus reducing the risk of ice dam formation.

Steps to Take Right-Now to Protect your MN Home:

1. Prepare for Minnesota Weather

• Clearing snow from roofs and the snow around the home’s foundation
• An attic seal-up, can be effective starting points to prevent these problems

2. Recognize Water Damage can be Hidden

• When spots on your ceiling or walls suddenly become visible, that may indicate there is a larger issue.
• When seeking professional help for water damage, hire a certified company that you trust. They should conduct proper testing for moisture and thoroughly remove and restore all damaged areas.

3. Understand That Water Damage can’t Wait

• Seek professional help immediately following a water damage, this prevents the worsening of damage to the home.
• This also protects the home structural integrity and helps prevent the onset of mold growth, when caught, and cleaned quick enough.

4. Regularly Update Home Insurance to Account for Upgrades and Additions

• A home improvement project can positively impact the value of a home.
• Ensure upgrades are considered/reflected in coverage amounts.

5. Call Green Clean if You Discover a Problem

Emergencies can arise at any hour, any day, and reacting promptly to damage is vital. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by significant home damage, but channel that sense of urgency into immediate and focused action. In the event of a home emergency, connect with reliable professionals like plumbers, roofing experts, your insurance agent, and, of course, Green Clean for swift assistance with mitigation and water removal.

When Ice Dams Happen, Green Clean is MN’s Most Trusted Water Restoration Company

By following these tips, you’ll feel better about protecting your Minneapolis-Minnesota home. At Green Clean, we are here to help you make this El Niño winter, a season of comfort and security.

We sincerely hope that your Minneapolis property will never experience water damage in any way, but if you do, Green Clean is ready to assist you in getting your life back to normal. Contact us today today to learn more.

Newly Renovated Space? Ensure proper insurance coverage. Newly Renovated Space? Ensure proper insurance coverage. Newly Renovated Space? Ensure proper insurance coverage.