Ice Dam Removal

What This Service Involves

An ice dam forms when snow melts higher on the roof, runs down to the cold eave, and refreezes into a ridge that traps water behind it. This trapped water works its way under shingles and into the home, a common and costly problem in Western Washington's freeze-thaw winters. Our crews remove dams using low-pressure steam that melts the ice without damaging the roofing, rather than chipping with tools that crack shingles. We clear the blockage so backed-up water can drain and interior leaking stops.

Benefits

Stops water from backing up under shingles; prevents interior leaks and drywall damage; uses steam that spares roofing from cracks; relieves the trapped water quickly to limit damage

Our Process

1) Locate the dam and the trapped water line; 2) Set up low-pressure steam equipment; 3) Melt channels through the ice to release water; 4) Clear the eave so drainage resumes

What Affects the Cost

Size and thickness of the ice dam; roof height and access for equipment; steam versus manual removal method; number of dams along the eaves; urgency when interior leaking is active

Best Time of Year

Ice dam removal is needed during and right after freeze-thaw cycles, when melt and refreeze at the eaves trap water behind the dam.