Ice Dam & Roof Leak Water Damage in Pagosa Springs, CO
Water coming through a ceiling in winter is often an ice dam, not a hole in the roof. Describe the damage once, and independent companies serving Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County can reply with free quotes.
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What is going on with an ice dam
Heat escaping from the living space warms the roof deck. Snow on the upper roof melts, runs down, and refreezes at the cold eaves. That ridge of ice traps the next round of meltwater, which backs up under the shingles and into the attic, the walls and the ceiling below.
Signs include long icicles, ice along the gutters, water stains on ceilings near exterior walls, wet insulation in the attic and peeling paint below the eaves. The leak often shows up on a sunny day after a snowstorm, and it can stop and start for weeks.
Stay off the roof. Do not climb onto an icy roof or chip ice with tools. Put buckets under drips, move belongings, and if a ceiling is sagging with water, keep people out of the room. Turn off power to light fixtures in wet ceilings only if you can do it safely.
Take photos inside and out, call your insurer, then call (970) 408-5771 or use the quote form for the interior water damage.
What the companies typically do
Two trades are usually involved: a restoration company inside, a roofer outside.
Find where the water went
Moisture meters trace the leak through the attic, ceiling and walls, which is often farther than the stain.
Remove wet insulation and ceiling
Soaked attic insulation and sagging drywall come out. In older homes, ceiling texture and joint compound get the asbestos question first.
Dry the attic and walls
Air movers and dehumidifiers dry framing and wall cavities. See structural drying.
Coordinate the roof
A roofer may steam off ice dams and repair underlayment or flashing. Ask whether the restoration company coordinates with one or whether you hire separately.
Check for mold
Attic sheathing that stays damp can grow mold. A final check before closing up is worth asking for.
Snow country specifics
Wolf Creek Ski Area, about 25 miles up US 160 from town, averages roughly 430 inches of snow a year, the most of any Colorado ski area. Pagosa Springs gets less, but heavy storms, long cold spells and bright sun are a classic recipe for ice dams. The January mean low in town is about 1°F, so meltwater refreezes quickly at the eaves.
Houses with complicated rooflines, valleys, skylights, low-slope sections and attic spaces with thin insulation are more prone. So are homes heated only part of the time. A second home that is warmed up for a holiday weekend can melt a roof full of snow, then freeze it again when the owners leave. About a third of housing units in Archuleta County are seasonal, so ask a neighbor or property manager to watch the eaves after big storms.
Snowmelt also feeds spring runoff. If you have a crawl space or lower level that takes on water in spring, see crawl space and basement water. After the 2026 flooding, some homes have open walls and wet insulation going into winter (as of November 1, 2026); dry those areas before snow load and cold arrive. The 2026 flood recovery guide covers flood-specific steps.
What interior water damage typically costs
Interior cleanup and roof repair are separate bills. National published ranges for the water side:
| Item | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Typical water damage job | $1,200–$5,000 | Fixr |
| Water extraction | $3.75–$7.50 per sq ft | Fixr |
| Mold remediation | $1,200–$3,750 (avg ≈ $2,300) | This Old House |
Typical national published ranges, not local quotes (Fixr, HomeGuide, This Old House, HomeAdvisor; 2025–2026). Pagosa Springs quotes come from the companies, not from this site.
Roof repair and ice removal are priced by the roofer. The cost guide covers the interior side in more detail.
Colorado roofing rules and insurance notes
Roofing contracts. Colorado's roofing contractor law (C.R.S. 6-22) generally requires a written contract before roofing work and gives you the right to cancel within 72 hours after your insurer denies a claim. It also generally bars roofing contractors from waiving, rebating or promising to pay your deductible. Read the contract before you sign and ask questions about anything that is unclear.
Licensing. Colorado has no state license for water damage restoration or general contracting. Inside Town limits, contractors and their subs need a Town of Pagosa Springs business license; unincorporated Archuleta County has none. Electricians are state-licensed, so a wet light fixture or wiring repair needs a state-licensed electrician. Ask every company for an insurance certificate and a written estimate.
Insurance. Ice dam damage to the interior is often treated as a sudden loss under homeowners policies, while wear and maintenance issues usually are not. Policies differ, so ask for a copy of your policy, which a Colorado insurer must provide within 3 business days of a request (C.R.S. 10-4-110.8). See claim documentation for what to record.
When it is urgent
- A ceiling is sagging or bulging with water.
- Water is dripping from a light fixture or near wiring.
- Attic insulation is soaked across a large area.
- More snow is forecast and the dam is still in place.
Questions to ask companies
- How far did the water travel in the attic and walls?
- Will you test ceiling texture for asbestos before removal?
- Do you coordinate with a roofer, or should I hire one?
- Will I get photos and moisture readings for my insurer?
- What should I change so this does not happen again?
Ice dam and roof leak FAQ
What causes ice dams on mountain homes?
Heat from the house warms the roof, snow melts higher up, and the water refreezes at the cold eaves. The ice ridge traps more meltwater, which backs up under shingles. Poor attic insulation, air leaks into the attic, weak ventilation and complicated rooflines all make ice dams more likely.
Should I remove an ice dam myself?
Climbing on an icy roof is dangerous and chipping ice can damage shingles. A roof rake used from the ground can pull snow off the lower roof after a storm. For an existing dam, many roofers use low-pressure steam. Inside, catch drips and move belongings until someone can dry the area.
Can a roofer pay my insurance deductible in Colorado?
No. Colorado's roofing contractor law generally bars roofers from waiving, rebating or promising to pay your deductible. Be cautious if a contractor offers that. The same law generally gives you 72 hours to cancel a roofing contract after your insurer denies the claim.
Is ice dam water damage covered by insurance?
Interior damage from an ice dam is often covered as a sudden loss, but policies vary and wear or maintenance problems are usually excluded. Photograph the ice and the interior damage, call your insurer, and ask for a copy of your policy so you can read the exact terms.
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