Winter Ice Dams and the Risk of Stucco Water Damage

In December, stucco damage from ice dams becomes a serious risk for Reston-area homes—especially after a snowy day melts just enough to refreeze overnight. When that happens, Worldgate Plaster & Stucco Company often sees the same chain reaction: roof drainage slows, meltwater backs up, and, before long, exterior walls begin to take on moisture where they should stay dry.

So what’s actually happening at the roofline? An ice dam forms when a ridge of ice builds along the roof edge and blocks melting snow from draining off the roof. With nowhere to go, that water can back up under roofing materials and slip into wall areas. As a result, you may notice staining, cracking, and damage to stucco, EIFS, plaster, and interior finishes—sometimes well before an obvious leak appears indoors.

How Ice Dams Trigger Exterior Wall Water Intrusion

When gutters and roof edges freeze, water in frozen gutters can overflow, sending meltwater right where your building is most vulnerable—along roof-to-wall intersections, behind trim, and around flashing. Over several melt–refreeze cycles, water can push under roofing materials and end up inside assemblies, leading to staining and damage to interior and exterior surfaces.

At that point, a roof leak causing wall damage turns into more than a roofing headache. Moisture can migrate into the wall, dampen the sheathing, and show up later as bubbling paint or cracking—sometimes well after the snow melts.

Stucco Water Damage Signs to Watch for in December

For Reston-area homeowners, these simple walk-around checks can help you spot trouble early:

• New staining or dark streaks below roof edges, parapets, or windows

• White, chalky residue (efflorescence), which can signal moisture moving through masonry-like surfaces

• Hairline cracks that suddenly widen after a cold snap

• Soft spots, bubbling coatings, or interior peeling near exterior walls

Practical Prevention for Reston-Homeowners

• Clear leaves and debris from the gutters so they can drain before temperatures drop.

• Confirm downspouts discharge away from walls and walkways to avoid constant splashback.

• Look closely at flashing where roofs meet walls—small gaps can channel a lot of water.

If you see repeat staining or cracking, schedule a certified stucco inspection before small moisture problems become large repairs.

Schedule a Stucco Inspection to Stop Hidden Moisture Early

If you suspect exterior wall water intrusion—or you’re seeing signs of EIFS moisture intrusion—it’s worth getting answers quickly. A certified inspection can help pinpoint where water is entering and what needs repair.

For Reston, VA, and the surrounding areas, don’t wait for a small leak to turn into a significant repair. Contact Worldgate Plaster & Stucco Company at (703) 283-6886 to discuss your issue and schedule a certified exterior inspection—so you can catch hidden moisture early and protect your building.

National Weather Service. “Roof Ice Dams.” National Weather Service (NWS) – Grand Rapids, Michigan. Accessed December 20, 2025. https://www.weather.gov/grr/roofIceDams.