Roof Steaming

What This Service Involves

Roof steaming is the safest method for removing ice dams, using controlled hot steam to melt ice without the chipping or hacking that damages Western Washington roofs. Our freeze-thaw climate builds thick ice dams at the eaves as snowmelt refreezes over cold overhangs, and forcing them off mechanically often tears shingles and bends flashing. Steam melts the ice at its bond to the roof so it releases cleanly, sparing the roofing material entirely. This approach is ideal for the older shingle and cedar roofs common across the region's established neighborhoods.

Benefits

Ice removal without chipping, hacking, or roof damage; Clean release as steam melts ice at its bond point; Safe treatment for older shingle and cedar roofs; Preserved shingles and flashing during ice dam removal

Our Process

1) Inspect the ice dam and identify the melt-through points; 2) Apply low-pressure steam to melt ice at the roof surface; 3) Free the dam so it releases without prying or chipping; 4) Clear drainage channels so meltwater can flow off freely

What Affects the Cost

Size and thickness of the ice dam to melt; Roof access and height affecting setup; Steam runtime required for full removal; Number of dams and problem areas per roof; Delicacy of the roofing material involved

Best Time of Year

Roof steaming is in highest demand from December through February when freeze-thaw cycles build thick eave ice dams.