Ice Dam Removal & Leak Prevention - Douglas Roofing

Douglas Roofing
February 5, 2026
5 min read

Ice Dams (Ice “Damns”) on Your Roof: What to Do, What Not to Do, and How to Fix Them for Good

If you’re searching for ice dam removal, roof ice dam solutions, or “how to get rid of ice dams”, chances are you’re dealing with ice buildup, leaking ceilings, or frozen gutters — and you need answers quickly.

Ice dams (often searched as “ice damns” or even “ice jams”) are one of the most damaging winter roofing issues homeowners face. Left untreated, they can cause leaks, mold, and long-term roof damage.

Here’s what you need to know — and how Douglas Roofing helps homeowners stop ice dams safely and permanently.

How ice dams form.

What Are Ice Dams on a Roof?

An ice dam forms when snow melts on a warm section of your roof and refreezes at the colder edges, gutters, or eaves. Over time, ice builds up and traps water behind it.

That trapped water:

  • Pushes under shingles
  • Backs up into the roof system
  • Leaks into ceilings, walls, and insulation

If you’re seeing icicles on gutters, ice buildup along roof edges, or water leaking during freezing weather, you likely have an ice dam forming.

Dam damage! Gutters can't hold the weight or expansion of ice.

Why Ice Dams Cause Roof Leaks

Ice dams don’t just sit on top of your roof — they force water where it doesn’t belong.

Common damage includes:

  • Gutters, hangers, brackets and fascia can't bear the weight.
  • Roof leaks during winter
  • Water stains on ceilings
  • Wet insulation and attic moisture
  • Rotting roof decking

It's not always so obvious and many homeowners first notice the problem when ice dams start leaking into the house.

Ice dams can sneak into your house.

How to Remove Ice Dams (What Works — and What Doesn’t)

❌ DIY Ice Dam Removal Risks

Home remedies like:

  • Chipping ice with tools
  • Pouring hot water on the roof
  • Using harsh roof ice melt chemicals

can damage shingles, void warranties, and make the problem worse.

✅ Professional Ice Dam Removal

Safe ice dam removal focuses on:

  • Controlled ice removal
  • Protecting shingles and flashing
  • Addressing the cause — not just the ice

In many cases, steam ice dam removal or professional roof de-icing methods are the safest option.

Ice dam steam removal.

Ice Dam Removal Cost: What Homeowners Should Know

Ice dam removal cost varies based on:

  • Size and severity of the ice dam
  • Roof pitch and accessibility
  • Amount of ice buildup
  • Whether leaks or damage are already present

While pricing depends on the situation, early removal is always less expensive than repairing water damage later.

Long-Term Ice Dam Prevention (The Real Solution)

Removing ice is only part of the fix. True ice dam prevention focuses on stopping the conditions that cause them.

Effective solutions may include:

  • Improving attic insulation
  • Sealing warm air leaks
  • Correcting attic ventilation
  • Preventing frozen gutters and downspouts
  • Installing ice and water protection where needed

This is especially important for:

  • Older homes
  • Metal roofs
  • Homes with recurring gutter ice issues

Why Ice Dams Keep Coming Back

If you’re dealing with ice dams every winter, the issue usually isn’t snow — it’s heat loss and airflow.

Common causes include:

  • Poor attic insulation
  • Blocked or inadequate ventilation
  • Warm air escaping into the attic
  • Roof design features that trap ice

Until those are addressed, ice dams will continue to form.

When to Call a Professional Ice Dam Removal Company

You should call a professional if:

  • Ice dams are causing roof leaks
  • Gutters are frozen solid
  • Icicles are growing rapidly
  • Water is entering your home
  • DIY methods haven’t worked

At that point, it’s no longer just ice — it’s a roof protection issue.

Ice Dam Solutions from Douglas Roofing

Douglas Roofing helps homeowners:

  • Identify the cause of ice buildup
  • Prevent future ice dam damage
  • Protect the roof system long-term
  • We do not specialize in ice dam removal but we can fix your roof when the ice is gone.

Our goal is to help you understand what’s happening on your roof and prevent it from happening again.

Get Help Before Ice Dams Cause Bigger Problems

Ice dams can escalate quickly from a nuisance to serious damage. If you’re noticing ice buildup, leaking, or frozen gutters, it’s important to act early.

A professional inspection can help determine:

  • Whether ice dams are present
  • If roof damage has already occurred
  • What solutions make sense for your home

Douglas Roofing provides clear answers and experienced guidance when winter weather puts your roof at risk.