Roof Leak & Ice Dam Water Damage in West Chester, PA

A roof leak is rarely where the stain is. Water enters at a flashing seam, a lifted shingle or the edge where an ice dam holds meltwater back, then runs along rafters and settles in insulation until a ceiling gives it away. The crew follows the path with a meter and a thermal camera.

How an ice dam pushes water inside

• Snow melts higher on the roof and refreezes at the cold eave
• The frozen ridge holds meltwater behind it, so water backs up under shingles
• Water drips into attic insulation and works down into the ceiling below
• Stains often show up at outside walls, near the top of the room

Older structures and winter swings

Winters in southeastern Pennsylvania are cold but variable, so snow can melt and refreeze several times in one stretch of weather. West Chester's median home dates to 1954, which means many roofs and attics sit on older structures. The tech checks each house as it is, since roof age and attic condition vary from one address to the next.

Interior drying after the roof is handled

A roofer clears the ice dam or repairs the leak, and the restoration crew handles the inside: wet attic insulation is removed, ceiling drywall is opened where it sags, and wall cavities are dried. Rooms near the stain are checked too, since water spreads. When the source turns out to be a pipe instead, see ceiling leak water damage, or see storm water damage for wind-driven rain.