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Reviewed by Tom Reilly — Senior Editorial Reviewer — Roofing, Carpentry & General Contracting

Who to call · Roofer

Ice dam forming on the roof: call a roofer — or fix it yourself

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the eaves of a roof, preventing snowmelt from draining off. Heat escaping through the attic melts snow on the upper roof, and the water refreezes when it reaches the cold overhang. As the dam grows, water backs up behind it, seeps under shingles, and leaks into the attic, ceiling, and walls. Chronic ice dams signal inadequate attic insulation, poor ventilation, or air leaks from the living space into the attic. A roofer can install ice-and-water shield membrane on the vulnerable eave area, improve attic ventilation with ridge and soffit vents, and coordinate with an insulation contractor to seal bypasses that let warm air reach the roof deck.

Is this your problem?

Symptoms to look for

  1. 01

    Thick ridge of ice visible along the roof edge or in the gutters

  2. 02

    Large icicles hanging from the eaves, especially on the sunny side

  3. 03

    Water stains or drips appearing on ceilings or walls near the roof edge

  4. 04

    Snow melting unevenly on the roof — bare patches above heated rooms while the rest stays white

  5. 05

    Gutter pulling away from the fascia under the weight of ice buildup

Who to call

Roofer

An insulation contractor air-seals and insulates the attic with a blower-door test to prove it, and a roofer installs ice-and-water membrane and proper ventilation at the eaves.

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Fix it yourself

How to fix ice dam forming on the roof

Ice dam forming on the roof

moderate 1–3 h

Tools: roof rake with an extension pole, flashlight, tape measure, calcium chloride ice-melt in a nylon stocking (emergency only) · Materials: attic insulation top-up (blown cellulose or batts), expanding foam and caulk for attic air leaks, insulated box or cover for the attic hatch

Steps

  1. From the ground, rake the snow off the lowest 1–1.5 m (3–5 feet) of roof after each storm; no snow, no meltwater, no dam. Never stand on a ladder to do it.
  2. If water is already coming in, lay a stocking filled with calcium chloride across the dam so it melts a channel — a stop-gap, not a fix.
  3. Go into the attic on a cold day with a flashlight: frost on the nails, damp insulation, or a bare patch where you can see the ceiling below show where heat and moist air are escaping.
  4. Seal the leaks first: foam around pipes, ducts and wiring holes, caulk the top plates of walls, and put a gasket and insulation on the hatch — recessed lights need airtight rated covers.
  5. Top up the insulation to the depth recommended for your climate (typically 35–45 cm, R-49 to R-60, in cold regions), keeping it clear of the soffit vents with baffles.
  6. Check that the bathroom and dryer vents go outside, not into the attic, and that the soffit and ridge vents are not blocked by insulation or paint.

Stop and call a pro if

  • the dam has already pushed water into the ceiling or walls — the roof edge needs ice-and-water shield when it is next reroofed
  • the roof is steep, high, or you cannot reach the eaves with a rake from the ground
  • the attic has knob-and-tube wiring, vermiculite insulation (possible asbestos) or no safe place to stand

Rules in the US: Many utilities rebate attic air sealing and insulation after an energy audit; ask before paying full price.

What a pro does that you can't

An insulation contractor air-seals and insulates the attic with a blower-door test to prove it, and a roofer installs ice-and-water membrane and proper ventilation at the eaves.

DIY cost: $40–100 for a roof rake, foam and caulk; $300–900 to top up insulation

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Who should I call for: Ice dam forming on the roof?

Call a licensed roofer. Roofers have the specialized training, tools, and insurance to diagnose ice dam forming on the roof safely and stand behind the fix. Most offer free quotes and can visit the same day or the next.

Can I fix this myself?

Often, yes: the guide above has 6 steps (moderate, 1–3 h, $40–100 for a roof rake, foam and caulk; $300–900 to top up insulation). Stop and call a roofer if the dam has already pushed water into the ceiling or walls — the roof edge needs ice-and-water shield when it is next reroofed.

How fast can a pro come out?

Most roofers offer same-day or next-day visits for non-emergency issues. True emergencies (burst pipes, gas smell, no heat in winter) are typically handled within 1–4 hours.

How much does it cost to fix?

Costs vary by severity and your location. Submit a free quote request to get real pricing from local pros in your area.

What are the signs of: Ice dam forming on the roof?

Thick ridge of ice visible along the roof edge or in the gutters. Large icicles hanging from the eaves, especially on the sunny side. Water stains or drips appearing on ceilings or walls near the roof edge. Snow melting unevenly on the roof — bare patches above heated rooms while the rest stays white. Gutter pulling away from the fascia under the weight of ice buildup.

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