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Ice Dam Removal & Prevention
Ice building up at the eaves, or water coming through the ceiling? Call (978) 577-5300 or send the form for safe removal and a free estimate on fixing the cause. We'll review your request and follow up with you.
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How they form
Why New England roofs get ice dams
Ice dams need three things: snow on the roof, a roof deck warmed from below by heat escaping the house, and cold eaves where the meltwater refreezes. New England winters supply the snow and the freeze-thaw cycles. Leaky, under-insulated attics supply the heat.
As the dam grows, meltwater pools behind it, works its way under the shingles and comes through ceilings, walls and window frames. The ice is the symptom. The heat loss is the cause.
Removal
Ice dam removal methods compared
| Method | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Low-pressure steam (pro) | Safest. Melts channels without damaging shingles. |
| Roof rake from the ground | Good prevention. Pulls fresh snow off the lower roof. |
| Heat cables | A stopgap. Keeps channels open, doesn't fix the cause. |
| Chipping with hammers or axes | Avoid. Tears up shingles and gutters. |
| Rock salt or pressure washers | Avoid. Damages roofing, gutters and plants. |
Never climb onto an icy roof or lean a ladder on iced gutters.
Prevention
How to stop ice dams for good
- Air seal the attic floor. Gaps around hatches, recessed lights, chimneys, plumbing and wiring leak the most heat.
- Add insulation, including behind knee walls and in sloped ceilings on capes.
- Balance the ventilation: intake at the soffits, exhaust at the ridge.
- Vent fans outside. Bath and kitchen fans should never dump warm, moist air into the attic.
- Ice barrier at the eaves. Required by code in ice-prone areas, and part of any proper roof replacement. It keeps water out when dams do form.
Help with the cost
State energy programs across New England
Air sealing and insulation are the real fix for ice dams, and every New England state has a utility-funded energy efficiency program that offers home energy assessments, often with incentives for insulation:
- Massachusetts: Mass Save
- New Hampshire: NHSaves
- Connecticut: Energize Connecticut
- Rhode Island: Rhode Island Energy's efficiency programs
- Maine: Efficiency Maine
- Vermont: Efficiency Vermont
A roofer handles removal, ventilation and the ice barrier. An insulation contractor or energy auditor handles the attic.
FAQ
Ice dam questions
Are icicles a sign of ice dams?
Big icicles along the gutters often mean an ice dam is forming behind them, especially if the upper roof has melted clear while the eaves are still iced.
Does insurance cover ice dam damage?
Many homeowners policies cover interior water damage from ice dams, though often not the cost of removing the ice or fixing the cause. Check your policy and call your insurer if water got inside.
Do gutters cause ice dams?
Not by themselves. Ice dams form on the roof edge whether or not there's a gutter. Clogged gutters can make the ice build up more, though, so keep them clean before winter.
Will a metal roof stop ice dams?
Snow slides off metal more easily, which helps, but the heat loss that causes ice dams is still there. Insulation and ventilation are the cure on any roof.
When should I fix the cause?
Remove the ice in winter, then fix the insulation, air sealing and ventilation between spring and fall when the attic is comfortable to work in.
Local guides
Ice Dams in your city
Some cities have their own page with local housing, permit and neighborhood details.
Other roofing services