10 Jan 2024 Update - We are caught up and able to handle either same day or next day services.
Do You Need Ice Dam Removal Service?
This Video Has the Information You Need to Decide if Our Ice Dam Removal (Steaming) Service is Right for You.
Ready to Talk? Start with a Text.
Send us your name and address, plus a photo of your ice dam. We will respond when safely off a roof. 208-563-7600
Knowledge Base
What is an Ice Dam?
…and what is it good for? Absolutely nothing.
Ice dams are a serious problem that can cause significant damage to homes during the winter months. They occur when snow on a roof begins to melt due to heat escaping from the home, causing water to flow down the roof and refreeze at the eaves. This refrozen water creates a dam of ice that can cause a variety of problems for homeowners.
The weight of the ice dam can cause damage to the roof and gutters, potentially leading to leaks and water damage inside the home. The water that collects behind the dam can seep into the home through the roof and walls, causing significant water damage and the potential for mold growth. Ice dams can also create a fire hazard, as the melting snow can cause electrical wires and other equipment to short circuit.
5 Tips for Ice Dam Prevention
Put us out of Business!
1. Keep Snow Off of Your Roof - Remove the snow from the lower edges of your roof (go past the overhang).
2. Inspect Your Attic Insulation - Make sure your attic is properly insulated and that there is no air leaking from the attic into the living space, as this will cause a warm area on the roof and can contribute to ice dam formation.
3. Check Your Roof Ventilation System - Having adequate inflow and outflow vents will help to keep the attic temperature consistent, which will reduce the chances of ice dam formation.
4. Keep Gutters Clean - Clear your gutters of any leaves and debris.
5. Install Heat Cables in Gutters, Downspouts, and/or along Eave Edges that Have Problems. Even over the counter cables can go a long way towards Ice Dam Prevention.
What Equipment is Safe for Use on an Ice Dam?
Hint: See Picture Above
Lower Pressure, Higher Temperature steamer machines are the only smart solution to quickly remove ice dams without damaging your roof. The item pictured is an Arctic Steamer - this machine was purposely designed to remove ice from roofs safely and efficiently.
High Pressure Water sprayers can tear shingles, strip paint off of metal, and affect shakes. Using hammers can be time consuming and unsafe for both your roof and your thumb or elbow. Neither of these options are ideal, and in most cases, contractors can't (or shouldn't) offer these services.