Harsh winters can be tough on homes, in large part because of ice and heavy snowfalls. Accumulations of snow and ice on your roof are especially worrisome because they can result in a condition known as ice dams.
These dams have the potential to cause serious damage. But taking steps to remove them and prevent future occurrences greatly reduces the risk.
An ice dam is a ridge of ice buildup along the edge of your roof — typically along the gutters. Most dams occur in climates where snow is common and temperatures frequently drop below freezing. They form when warm air in your attic melts the snow on your roof, causing it to run down toward the gutters, where it refreezes.1
The ice dam accumulation builds as more snow melts and freezes, literally causing a dam that blocks water from draining into the gutter and onto the ground. If allowed to accumulate for too long, the growing dam can force ice under the shingles, where it melts and often seeps into your attic, ceilings, and walls.
Icicles hanging from the gutters are often the first visible sign of an ice dam. They’re a clear indication that you need to inspect your gutters and roof promptly and clear them of accumulated ice and snow. Although warmer temperatures will eventually melt the dams, water from that melt is what causes damage to your home.
The water from ice dams can cause significant structural damage and affect air quality in your home.
As the dam builds and water backs up beneath the shingles, it has nowhere to go. It can continue to build and become heavy enough to damage your gutters and roof. On days warm enough to cause melting, the water can leak through the roof and into your attic, ceilings, and walls — soaking the wood, insulation, drywall, and paint.
Over time, that moisture damages the materials and promotes mold and mildew growth.
Your homeowners insurance might cover ice dam problems as long as the damage wasn’t the result of clogged gutters or other deferred maintenance. But insurance might not cover damage to your personal property or the cost of ice dam removal.2
You can likely remove any ice dams without professional assistance. The following ice dam removal methods are recommended:3
Clear the ice dam. Use a roof rake or push broom to sweep snow from the roof. Work from the ground, not a ladder, and avoid unnecessary pressure to reduce the risk of shingle damage.
Melt the ice dam. Pour a wide track of de-icer, like calcium chloride, vertically along the dam to melt a channel into the ice and let the water drain. Or you can fill the leg of old pantyhose with the salt-like ice melt and lay it over the ice.
Steam the ice dam. Starting at the bottom of the ice dam and working your way up, stream hot water or steam onto the ice to carve drainage channels.
Blow cold air into the attic. If your attic is accessible and it’s safe to do so, use a box fan to blow cold air where you see an ice dam forming. This refreezes the ice, keeping it on the roof and stopping the ice dam from getting worse.
Large ice dams and dams that can only be reached by ladder are best left to professionals. Prices can range from $400 to about $4,000, depending on the removal method used, according to home services website Angi.4
Improper removal of an ice dam can make a bad situation worse by damaging your roof. Here are some methods DIYers should avoid:
Chipping away at the ice with a shovel, ice pick, or other tool: Metal tools might cause you to inadvertently damage the gutters or shingles.
Chemicals other than calcium chloride: Sodium chloride, rock salt, and other chemical ice melts can erode surfaces.
Extreme heat: Flames, like blow torches, pose a serious fire hazard, and even steam might damage roofing if applied too aggressively.
The best way to manage ice dams is to prevent them from occurring. The methods for doing so address the root causes of their formation.
Ice dams can cause serious structural damage and air quality issues. Learn more about how to prevent potential ice dam issues with answers to these commonly asked questions.
If ice dams are small enough for you to remove, rake or brush the snow off your roof to stop the ice accumulation. Then, melt a vertical drainage channel into the ice with calcium chloride, hot tap water, or steam. Consider contacting a professional to remove large dams or dams that can only be reached from a ladder.
Ice dams can force ice under your shingles. When that ice melts, the water can seep into your attic, ceilings, and walls. That seepage can damage wood, drywall, insulation, and paint.
Ice dams go away once the weather is too warm for water to freeze. But by the time they disappear naturally, the damage might already be done.
Calcium chloride effectively melts the ice. It’s best to avoid other chemicals because they can damage your shingles.
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