How to Estimate Ice Dam Damage

Go inside the attic of the home first to check the insulation along the ceiling and the walls. You're looking for mold, water damage spots, or any other damage to the materials in the attic. Take a picture of any damage you find.

Stay in the attic, and look for any cracks in the sheet rock and wood throughout the walls. If you find a crack, examine the insulation within it. Does it look clean? If it looks dirty and moldy, this could be an indicator of ice dam damage.

Go outside the home, and use a ladder to climb up to the roof---without getting on the roof. Look for dark patches throughout the roof, and any missing or damaged shingles. These can be signs of ice dam damage. Next, look around for any pools of water or ice that have built up on the roof. If there are pools or ice built up, you must remove them as soon as possible.

Use the ladder to look at the gutters of the house. Make sure there is no snow or ice accumulated on the sides of the gutters. The gutters should not be slouching off the side of the house. If there is weight on them, remove the weight and hook them back onto the house.

Remove icicles from the side of the house. Not only are they dangerous hanging there, they can also cause roof damage.