Home › Massachusetts › Lawrence › Ice Dams
Ice Dams in Lawrence, MA
Icicles and ice ridges at the eaves, or winter drips inside? Call (978) 577-5300 or send the form for help with ice dams in Lawrence. We'll review your request and follow up with you.
- Free for homeowners
- Credentials checked before referral
- Removal & prevention
Get Help With Ice Dams
Describe the ice and any leaks. We'll follow up with you.
Please add your name, a 10-digit phone number and a valid email.
Why they form
What causes ice dams in Lawrence
When warm air from the house reaches the underside of the roof, it melts the snow above. Meltwater flows to the eaves, where the overhang is cold, and freezes. After a few thaws, a ridge of ice holds back water, and that water creeps under the shingles.
The underlying problem is heat getting into the attic, usually from:
- Gaps into the atticAround hatches, fixtures, pipes and chimneys.
- Little or no insulationCommon in older city housing.
- No airflow under the roofMissing soffit or ridge vents.
- Exhaust fans venting into the attic instead of outdoors.
How to tell
Signs of an ice dam
- Ice ridges and big icicles along the roof edge or porch roof
- Drips or stains near exterior walls and windows in winter
- Frost on the underside of roof boards in the attic
- Snow melting fast on your roof while nearby roofs stay white
Removal
Safe ice dam removal
Pros use low-pressure steam to cut drainage channels through the ice without tearing up shingles.
- Don't chop at the ice. It damages the roof and gutters.
- Don't climb ladders or roofs in icy conditions.
- Don't use open flame or pressure washers.
From the ground, a roof rake can pull fresh snow off the lowest few feet of a pitched roof. Watch for wires, which run close to houses on many city streets.
Prevention
Fixing the cause
Air seal and insulate. The most effective fix. Mass Save offers home energy assessments for Massachusetts residents.
Add ventilation with soffit intake and ridge exhaust where the roof allows it.
Ice and water barrier at the eaves keeps backed-up water out; it's standard in a proper roof replacement.
Heat cables keep channels open but treat the symptom.
Lawrence buildings
Where Lawrence gets ice dams
Victorians with steep, complex roofs. Valleys and the joints between roof planes collect snow, and older homes often lack insulation in tight attic spaces.
Porch roofs. Shallow porch roofs on two- and three-families hold snow, and water backs up where they meet the wall.
Flat main roofs. Here the winter issue is usually frozen drains rather than ice dams. Keep drains clear so meltwater can leave. See flat and rubber roofs.
Already leaking? See roof repair in Lawrence.
FAQ
Lawrence ice dam questions
Do flat roofs get ice dams?
Not in the same way. On flat roofs the bigger winter risk is frozen or blocked drains, which trap meltwater on the roof. Ice dams mainly affect pitched roofs and shallow porch roofs.
Is it safe to knock icicles down?
Large icicles are heavy and can injure people or damage gutters when they fall. Keep walkways clear underneath and let a pro handle large buildups.
Will gutter guards stop ice dams?
No. Ice dams form on the roof above the gutter because of heat escaping the house. Gutter guards don't change that.
Who pays for insulation in a rental building?
That's between owners and tenants under their lease, but owners of Massachusetts buildings can look into Mass Save programs, which offer home energy assessments and may include insulation incentives.
Does insurance cover ice dam leaks?
Many policies cover the interior water damage but not the removal of the ice. Check your policy and take photos.
Other roofing services in Lawrence