Ice dams and frozen pipes are two of the most common — and most preventable — winter problems in Colorado homes. Both cause water damage, both tend to strike on the coldest nights, and both are far cheaper to prevent than to repair. Here's what actually causes them and how to stay ahead of them.
What causes an ice dam
An ice dam forms when heat escaping through your roof melts the snow on top, the water runs down to the colder edge of the roof, and it refreezes into a ridge of ice. That ridge traps more melt behind it, and the pooled water eventually works its way back under the shingles and into the house. The root cause is usually warm air leaking into the attic combined with poor gutter drainage.
How to prevent ice dams
- Keep the attic well insulated and air-sealed so heat doesn't reach the roof deck.
- Make sure attic ventilation lets the roof stay cold and even in temperature.
- Clean gutters and downspouts before winter so melt drains freely.
- After heavy snow, rake snow off the lower few feet of roof edge to break the cycle.
Why pipes freeze — and how to stop it
Pipes freeze when water inside them sits in an unheated or poorly insulated space during a hard freeze. As the water freezes it expands, and the pressure can split the pipe — the real damage usually shows up when it thaws and pours out. Colorado's overnight temperature drops make garage, crawlspace, and exterior-wall pipes especially vulnerable.
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas with foam sleeves — cheap and effective.
- On the coldest nights, let a faucet drip slightly; moving water resists freezing.
- Keep cabinet doors open under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air in.
- Never let the house drop below the mid-50s, even when you're away.
If it happens anyway
If a pipe freezes, shut off the water and open the tap to relieve pressure. If it has already burst, get the water off immediately and start drying — and don't underestimate how much moisture hides in walls and floors. Water left behind becomes mold within a day or two, which is why professional water restoration focuses on the moisture you can't see. If you're facing water damage, message us right away.