When ice dams form on a roof, homeowners have very few safe options to remove them. Many try to chop at the ice with hammers or axes, but mechanical methods almost always result in roof damage. Over the years, we’ve seen hundreds of roofs scarred by well-intentioned people trying to remove ice dams with tools never meant for the job. The most common forms of damage are cuts, bruises, and perforations of the roofing material and holes punched in valley metal.
It is always less expensive to prevent ice dams than to remove them or to repair the damage they leave behind. Once an ice dam has developed, removal is labor-intensive and costly. Ignoring prevention also means the same ice dam can reform multiple times in the same season depending on weather. Leading ice dam removal experts like The Ice Dam Company in Minneapolis report revisiting the same properties up to four times in one winter to remove ice dams from the same location.
Ice dams are not caused by snow alone. They form when the right combination of snow and temperature creates meltwater that refreezes at the roof edge. The “sweet spot” is nighttime lows around 15°F and daytime highs around 25°F. At these temperatures, roof heat loss is enough to cause melting, but the eaves are still cold enough to freeze water.
Illustration courtesy of Kuhl’s Contracting Inc.
Just because you have icicles hanging off the edge of your roof or gutters doesn’t mean that you necessarily have ice dams. It’s true that large icicles are often associated with ice dams, but it’s also true that ice dams can occur without visible icicles. Outside of leaks in winter, there are six classic warning signs to watch for:
Illustration courtesy of The Ice Dam Company
Ice dams traditionally form along the eaves—the lowest part of the roof above the exterior wall. However, they can also form in other overlooked areas, including dormer valleys, skylights, chimneys, and low-slope roof sections. Understanding where ice dams occur helps homeowners target prevention effectively.
Illustration courtesy of The Ice Dam Company
The only proven, safe method for removing ice dams is with high-temperature steam. Steamers cut through ice without damaging shingles. Unfortunately, many contractors claim to use steam when they actually use hot or cold water pressure washers. The best way to tell the difference is the wand — if it has a trigger, it’s a pressure washer. True steamers operate with an ‘open wand,’ meaning the flow never stops.
The most efficient and ethical way to remove ice dams without roof damage is by cutting 16-inch channels through the ice dam, then undercutting the ice between those slots with steam. This creates manageable sections that can be safely removed without harming the roof. Unethical contractors, in contrast, attempt to melt every cubic inch, dramatically increasing time and cost.
Professional ice dam removal is expensive due to the specialized equipment and expertise required. Steamers cost $5,000 or more, and most contractors charge between $400–$800 per hour for a one- or two-person crew. Total project time varies based on the roof height, ice thickness, and outside temperature.
If water is already entering your home through the ceiling, punch a small hole where the water is collecting and place a bucket below it. This relieves pressure, preventing water from spreading across ceilings or seeping into light fixtures. A small repair later is far easier than replacing damaged drywall.
The Ice Dam Company, founded in Minneapolis in 2003, was the first large-scale ice dam removal and prevention company in the United States. Their expertise inspired modern techniques for ice dam management and prevention, including innovations in heat cable design. Their sister company, Kuhl’s Contracting, remains a leading resource for ice dam prevention education.
