What They Are, Why They Form, and How Professional Steam Removal Saves Your Roof

If you’ve ever looked up at your roof in the middle of a Minnesota or Wisconsin winter and seen thick ridges of ice along the edges, you’ve seen an ice dam in action. And while they might look harmless, ice dams are one of the most damaging (and expensive) winter problems a homeowner can face.

What is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam is a buildup of ice along the edge of your roof. As heat escapes through the attic, snow melts higher up on your roof and it runs down toward the eaves. That water refreezes as it reaches the cold edges of your roof, creating a barrier.

Eventually, this ice ridge prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. Instead, water pools behind the dam and forces its way under your shingles.

Why Ice Dams Form

Ice dams are usually a sign of a larger problem with your home’s roof or attic. They form when:

• Heat escapes into your attic due to poor insulation.
• Warm air melts snow on the upper roof, even on freezing days.
• Cold roof edges refreeze the melted snow, forming ice.
• The cycle repeats, causing the ice to grow and trap more water.

This freeze-thaw cycle continues all winter, creating heavier dams and a higher risk of leask.

The Hidden Dangers of Ice Dams

Ignoring ice dams can lead to serious damage, and not just to your roof. Common problems include:

• Roof leaks: Water backs up under shingles and into the attic.
• Ceiling and wall damage: Water stains, bubbling paint, or sagging drywall.
• Damaged insulation: Wet insulation loses its effectiveness, driving up energy costs.
• Gutter and shingle damage: The weight of the ice can bend or break gutters and loosen shingles.

The longer you wait, the more costly the repairs can become, sometimes even requiring full roof replacement.

Why Professional Steam Removal is the Safest Solution

When you discover ice dams, your first instinct might be to chip away at them with a hammer, axe, or shovel…but DIY ice dam removal is dangerous. Not only do you risk falling off the roof, but you can also easily damage your shingles.

That’s why low-pressure steam removal is considered the gold standard:

• No Roof Damage: Steam gently melts ice without scraping or prying at your shingles.
• Faster Results: Professional equipment can clear large dams quickly.
• Safe for Gutters: No chisels or hammers mean no bent or broken gutters.
• Works in Any Temperature: Unlike salt or chemicals, steam is effective even in subzero weather conditions.

Prevent Ice Dams Before They Form

While steaming removes existing ice dams, prevention is the best long-term solution. Here are a few steps we recommend:

• Improve attic insulation: Keep warm air inside your home, not escaping through your roof.
• Seal air leaks: Around vents, chimneys, and attic hatches.
• Ventilate the attic: Proper ventilation helps maintain a cold roof temperature.
• Keep gutters clear: Clean gutters and downspouts before winter to help water drain away.

Home Front Exteriors can help identify the root cause of your ice dams so you can address them permanently.

Protect Your Home This Winter

Ice dams don’t just melt away; they get worse with every snowfall and every freeze-thaw cycle. Protecting your home means acting fast.

At Home Front Exteriors, we offer professional steam ice dam removal throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Our trained team can safely clear your roof and help you prevent future problems with expert advice and inspection.