Dam! Ice Dam that is! It's winter and the snow and ice will try to find it's way in through roofs. It may happen due to  improperly installed sheathing that has left gaps. Or you may find ice dams that are caused by in adequate attic insulation, improperly ventilated attics, thermal bi-passes or gutters that do not drain properly. Why is this important? Subrogation of course! Please do your best when inspecting these types of losses to see if we have a viable subrogation claim. Good pictures are essential and the client may want to hire an engineer. Good luck out there!

Figure 1. Cross section of a one-and-a-half story house with an ice dam.