Roofing & Winterization
Ice Dam Prevention & Removal: Stop Winter Roof Leaks
Ice dams form when attic heat warms the upper roof deck, melting snow that refreezes at cold exterior eaves, backing water up underneath shingles into wall framing and ceilings.
Never Hack at Ice with Axes or Hammers
Chopping ice dams with sharp tools shatters frozen asphalt shingles and punctures waterproof underlayment, creating dozens of leak breaches. Use calcium chloride melt tubes or professional low-pressure steam removal.
1. Safe Ice Dam Removal Steps
Relieve ponding water behind ice dams safely without voiding shingle warranties:
Use an extendable aluminum roof rake from ground level to pull fresh snow off the lower roof slope, eliminating the fuel feeding the ice dam.
Fill a nylon stocking with calcium chloride (not rock salt) and lay it vertically across the dam to melt a clean drainage channel into the gutter.
Professional roofers use high-temperature, low-pressure steam machines that melt thick ice without damaging delicate shingle granules.
The permanent cure for ice dams is air-sealing attic penetrations (recessed lighting, plumbing stacks, attic hatch) and adding R-49 to R-60 attic insulation.
Primary Standard Reference: Building Science Corporation (BSC) Cold Climate Roof Design Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
Why shouldn't I use rock salt (sodium chloride) on roof ice dams?
Rock salt severely corrodes aluminum gutters, bleeds corrosive residue onto siding, and kills landscaping plants when meltwater drains into flowerbeds. Only use calcium chloride.
Does homeowners insurance cover ice dam removal and water damage?
Most policies cover interior water damage resulting from ice dams. However, the preventative cost of removing the ice dam itself is generally considered routine maintenance.