Ice Dam Water Damage — Master Bedroom & Living Room, Broadmoor

A major snowstorm followed by warm temperatures created a severe ice dam along the entire north-facing roofline of a Broadmoor home. Water backed up under the shingles and poured into the master bedroom and living room, causing extensive ceiling and wall damage.

Response Time

38 minutes

Drying Time

7 days

Insurance Claim

$22,600 approved

Location

Broadmoor, Colorado Springs

Project Overview

A 24-inch snowfall followed by three days of above-freezing temperatures created ideal conditions for ice dam formation along the north-facing roofline of a 1970s Broadmoor home. The ice dam extended across 40 feet of roofline, trapping meltwater that had nowhere to go except under the shingles. Water entered the home through the master bedroom ceiling and an exterior living room wall, causing ceiling collapse in one area and extensive drywall saturation throughout. The homeowners called Absolute Water Damage when they noticed water dripping from the ceiling — we arrived in 38 minutes.

Before, During & After Photos

Before

Ice dam water damage ceiling collapse in Broadmoor Colorado Springs master bedroom — Ceiling collapse in master bedroom from ice dam water intrusion — approximately 40 sq ft of ceiling affected.

During — Drying Process

Water damage drying equipment including floor mats and air movers in Broadmoor home — Specialty floor drying mats on hardwood floors, air movers on walls, dehumidifiers running throughout affected areas.

After — Restored

Restored master bedroom after ice dam water damage restoration in Broadmoor Colorado Springs — Master bedroom and living room fully restored — new plaster ceiling, walls repaired, hardwood floors saved.

The Challenge

The ice dam was still active when we arrived — water was continuing to enter the home. We coordinated with a roofing contractor to safely remove the ice dam while we began interior mitigation. The Broadmoor home's older construction included original plaster walls and ceilings, which hold moisture differently than modern drywall and required extended drying times. The master bedroom also had original hardwood floors that required specialty floor drying mats to save.

Project Timeline

Day 0 — 2:30 PM

Homeowners notice ceiling dripping

Water dripping from master bedroom ceiling. Called Absolute Water Damage immediately.

Day 0 — 3:08 PM

Crew arrives — 38 minutes

Arrived with full extraction and drying equipment. Thermal imaging revealed water in ceiling cavity and exterior wall.

Day 0 — 3:15 PM

Active leak mitigation

Coordinated with roofing contractor for ice dam removal. Temporary tarping to stop active water entry.

Day 0 — 4:00 PM

Extraction and assessment

Standing water extracted. Moisture mapping revealed saturation in master bedroom ceiling, walls, and living room exterior wall.

Day 0 — 5:30 PM

Drying equipment deployed

Specialty floor drying mats deployed on hardwood floors. Air movers and dehumidifiers positioned throughout. Plaster ceiling carefully opened for drying access.

Days 1–3

Intensive drying

Daily moisture readings. Plaster walls required extended drying — moisture levels declining but not yet at target.

Days 4–6

Extended drying for plaster

Plaster walls require longer drying than drywall. Equipment adjusted. Hardwood floor moisture approaching target levels.

Day 7

Drying complete

All moisture readings at pre-loss levels. Hardwood floors saved — no replacement needed. Drying documentation provided to insurance.

Days 8–18

Reconstruction

Plaster ceiling and walls repaired, painted. Roofing contractor completed permanent repairs. Home returned to pre-loss condition.