Why Ice Dams Happen
Heat from your house melts roof snow. The water runs down to the cold edge of the roof, refreezes, and builds a wall of ice that traps more water behind it. That water finds its way under shingles and into your home.
Get a free estimate Call (603) 899-2465How an ice dam forms
1. Warm atticHeat escapes into the attic and warms the upper roof.
2. Snow meltsSnow on the warm part of the roof melts and runs down.
3. Edge refreezesThe eaves stay cold, so the water freezes at the edge and in the gutters.
4. Water backs upThe ice ridge traps meltwater, which works under shingles and leaks inside.
Warning signs
- Thick ice along the roof edge or packed into gutters
- Large icicles, especially over doors and walkways
- Water stains or drips on ceilings or exterior walls
- Gutters pulling away from the house under the weight of ice
What helps
- Ice dam removal with low-pressure steam that won't damage shingles
- Roof raking after big storms to take weight and meltwater off the edge
- Clean, properly pitched gutters before winter
- Snow guards and a plan from our Winter Storm Prep checklist
Ice dam FAQ
Should I chip ice off my roof myself?
No. Hammers and picks can tear shingles and gutters, and working on an icy roof is dangerous. Steam removes the ice without damage.
Do you offer emergency ice dam removal?
Yes. We have an emergency ice dam team serving homes within 90 minutes of our Jaffrey, Salem and Grantham, NH offices.
Do gutter guards cause ice dams?
Ice dams come from heat loss and freeze-thaw cycles, not guards. A good guard keeps gutters clear so meltwater has somewhere to go.
Ice building up on your roof?
Our crews remove ice dams across New Hampshire, northern Massachusetts and Vermont.
Get a free estimate Call (603) 899-2465