Ice Dams on Surrey Roofs Godalming

Guarantee and Aftercare

All work carries our written 10-year workmanship guarantee covering everything we install, repair or replace. Material manufacturer warranties apply on top. The guarantee excludes subsequent storm or impact damage (that is insurance) and alterations by others. If a fault develops within the guarantee period, call 01483 346 855 — we inspect and fix at no cost.

We also recommend annual inspections for all properties over 20 years old. The inspection fee of £120–£250 is credited in full against any repair work booked. Many customers book on a recurring annual basis — we hold the details and schedule the visit automatically. In the Wey Valley climate, annual inspection is the most cost-effective maintenance investment a homeowner can make.

Ice Dams in the Wey Valley

The Wey Valley floor experiences more overnight frost events than the surrounding hilltops because cold air drains downhill and pools in the valley. This creates ideal conditions for ice dam formation on roofs with poor insulation: heat escaping through the ceiling melts snow on the upper roof, meltwater runs to the colder eaves where the roof extends beyond the heated building, and refreezes into an ice ridge that blocks drainage. Subsequent melt pools behind this dam and penetrates through tile laps into the roof structure.

Prevention Is the Only Fix

The correct response to ice dams is preventing them — not breaking them off (which damages tiles) or heating them with cables (expensive to run and maintains the symptom rather than curing the cause). Prevention requires adequate loft insulation (270mm minimum at ceiling level) combined with proper ventilation (10mm continuous at soffit, 5mm at ridge). This combination stops warm air reaching the roof surface and eliminates the heat differential that causes ice dams. We assess insulation and ventilation during every loft inspection and recommend improvements where needed.

Ice Dam Risk Map for the Godalming Area

The Wey Valley floor has the highest ice dam risk in our coverage area. Cold air pools overnight in the valley, creating frost conditions while the surrounding hills remain above freezing. Properties most at risk: north-facing slopes on the valley floor (Catteshall, lower Farncombe), properties with pre-2000 insulation levels (less than 200mm loft insulation), and homes where loft hatches are poorly sealed (warm air rises through the unsealed hatch into the loft space). Properties on higher ground at Frith Hill, Busbridge and Haslemere have lower ice dam risk because the cold air drains away rather than pooling.

Emergency Response for Ice Dam Damage

If an ice dam has caused water ingress, call 01483 346 855. Do not attempt to break the ice from outside — you will damage tiles and potentially injure yourself on a frozen, slippery roof. Our approach is to address the water entry from inside (containment and channelling away from electrics and valuables) while the ice dam melts naturally or is carefully managed from a safe access position. The permanent fix — insulation and ventilation improvement — prevents recurrence in future winters.