How We Resolved Ice Damming and Prevented Water Damage in a Wharton Home
Winter in Wharton, NJ, can be picturesque, but for many homeowners, it also comes with its share of roofing challenges. One of the most common—and destructive—issues is ice damming. If you’ve ever seen thick ridges of ice forming along your roof’s edge, you know how concerning it can be. Recently, our team at Hidalgo Brothers Roofing was called to a Wharton home that had a major ice dam problem threatening to cause serious water damage inside the property.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire process: what caused the issue, how we resolved it, and the steps we took to ensure it doesn’t happen again. If you live in Morris County or anywhere in North Jersey, this real-life example could save you from a costly headache this winter.
The Homeowner’s Problem: Ice Dams and Water Intrusion
The call came in during one of the coldest weeks in January. The homeowner noticed water stains forming on the interior walls near the ceiling. At first, they suspected a minor leak, but when the situation worsened after a snowstorm, they called us for an inspection.
What we found was a textbook case of ice damming:
Large, thick ice ridges had formed along the eaves of the roof.
Melted snow was pooling behind the ice barrier, forcing water under the shingles.
The attic showed signs of moisture and early mold growth due to water seeping inside.
Left untreated, this could have led to major roof damage, ruined insulation, interior ceiling stains, and even structural rot.
What Causes Ice Damming?
Before we jump into the solution, it’s important to understand why ice dams happen. Ice damming occurs when:
Heat escapes from the home’s interior into the attic, warming the roof.
Snow on the roof melts in the middle and refreezes at the colder edges.
Over time, this creates a dam of ice, which traps water behind it.
The main culprits? Poor insulation, inadequate ventilation, and sometimes clogged gutters.
This Wharton home had a combination of these issues. The attic insulation was thin, and the soffit vents were partially blocked, reducing airflow.
Our Inspection and Plan
We began with a full roof and attic inspection, checking:
Roof shingles and flashing for damage.
Gutter conditions for blockages or misalignment.
Attic insulation depth and ventilation paths.
After documenting everything for the homeowner, we proposed a three-step solution:
Safely Remove the Existing Ice Dams
Repair Any Roof Damage and Seal Potential Leaks
Improve Insulation and Ventilation to Prevent Future Ice Damming
Step 1: Ice Dam Removal
Removing ice dams requires caution. Many DIY methods like using salt or hacking at the ice with tools can cause severe roof damage. Our approach was professional and safe:
We used a low-pressure steam system to melt the ice without damaging shingles.
We cleared all gutters and downspouts to restore proper drainage.
We carefully checked for loose or lifted shingles caused by expanding ice.
This process took several hours, but by the end of the day, the roof was clear and water could flow off naturally.
Step 2: Roof Repair and Leak Prevention
Once the ice was gone, we addressed the underlying damage:
Replaced water-damaged shingles near the eaves.
Installed a high-quality ice and water shield membrane beneath the first few rows of shingles.
Sealed flashing and vulnerable areas around chimneys and vents.
This waterproof barrier is critical for Wharton homes because it prevents water intrusion even if ice dams form in the future.
Step 3: Improving Insulation and Ventilation
Ice dams are more of a house problem than just a roof problem, so we went inside the attic. We found insulation that was far below the recommended R-value for our region. Additionally, the soffit vents were partially blocked, and there was no continuous ridge vent for airflow.
Our solution:
Added blown-in insulation to bring the attic to optimal levels.
Cleared and installed baffles to ensure air could flow from soffits to the ridge.
Installed a ridge vent system for balanced ventilation.
These upgrades dramatically reduced the risk of warm air melting snow on the roof, which is the root cause of ice dams.
The Results: A Safe, Dry Home
After completing the project, we scheduled a follow-up visit during the next snowstorm. The roof performed perfectly—no ice buildup, no leaks, and the attic remained dry. The homeowner told us:
“We were so worried about water damage, but Hidalgo Brothers handled everything from start to finish. Now we can enjoy winter without stress!”
Preventing Ice Damming in Your Home
If you live in Wharton or nearby areas in Morris County, take these steps before winter hits:
Inspect your attic insulation – Is it thick enough for our cold winters?
Check your ventilation – Blocked soffits or missing ridge vents can cause major problems.
Schedule a professional roof inspection – Before snow piles up, make sure your roof and gutters are ready.
The cost of prevention is always far less than repairing water damage.
Do You Have Ice Dams? We Can Help.
Don’t wait for water to start dripping inside your home. If you notice ice buildup, leaking, or water stains, call Hidalgo Brothers Roofing today. We’ll inspect your roof, fix the problem, and ensure your home stays safe all winter long.
📞 Call us at 973-525-6835 or visit Hidalgo Brothers Roofing to schedule your inspection.
Why Choose Us?
Local experts in Morris County roofing.
Certified and insured professionals.
Proven solutions for winter roofing challenges.