Ice Dam Removal

An Illinois winter can be beautiful, blanketing our homes in a picturesque layer of snow. However, this classic winter scene can hide a serious threat to your property: the ice dam. If you see a thick ridge of ice along your roof’s edge and large icicles forming, you may have an active ice dam problem that requires immediate professional attention. These formations do more than just look menacing; they can cause water to back up under your shingles and leak directly into your home, leading to significant damage.

America’s Best provides fast, safe, and effective ice dam removal services for homeowners and businesses throughout the Chicagoland area, including Addison, Elmhurst, and Lombard. We understand the urgency of a winter roof leak. Our rapid-response team is equipped with professional-grade steaming equipment to eliminate the threat without damaging your roof. If you see signs of an ice dam or have an active leak, call our emergency service line immediately at 630-433-2275.

What is an Ice Dam and Why is it Dangerous?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off. It forms through a cycle of melting and refreezing. Heat loss from your home warms the underside of the roof, melting the snow. This water runs down the roof until it reaches the cold eaves (the overhang where there is no heat from the house below). Here, the water refreezes, gradually forming a thick dam of ice.

As the process continues, a pool of water gets trapped behind the dam. This standing water has nowhere to go but up, forcing its way underneath your roofing shingles. This can lead to severe consequences:

• Interior Water Damage: Water leaking into your attic and home can saturate insulation, ruin drywall, and damage ceilings and walls.
• Roof and Gutter Damage: The immense weight of the ice can bend, damage, or even tear off your gutters and put significant stress on your roof’s structure.
• Mold and Mildew Growth: Once water penetrates your home, the damp, dark spaces of an attic become a perfect breeding ground for hazardous mold.

The Dangers of DIY Roof Ice Removal: Why You Need a Professional

When you have water entering your home, the temptation to take matters into your own hands is strong. However, attempting DIY ice dam removal is extremely dangerous and often causes more harm than good.

• NEVER Use Blunt Force: Hitting the ice with an axe, hammer, or shovel will almost certainly damage your shingles, leading to expensive roof repairs.
• NEVER Use Salt or Chemicals: Rock salt and calcium chloride are highly corrosive. They can damage your roofing materials, discolor and damage your gutters, and kill the landscaping below when the water runs off.
• NEVER Use Open Flames: Using a propane torch or any other open flame on your roof is an extreme fire hazard and will melt and destroy your roofing materials.

Our Safe & Effective Ice Dam Removal Method: Low-Pressure Steam

The only method recommended by roofing experts for safe ice dam removal is low-pressure steaming. Our team uses specialized, high-temperature steamers that gently and efficiently melt the ice without causing any damage to your roofing materials. This is the safest and most effective way to perform roof ice removal.

Our Professional Process:

1. Safety First: We begin by assessing the site, ensuring the safety of our crew, your family, and your property.
2. Snow Removal: We carefully clear the loose and packed snow from the roof, exposing the full extent of the ice dams.
3. Steam Application: Using our professional steaming equipment, we create channels in the ice, allowing trapped water to drain. We then use the steam to break the bond between the ice and your roof, safely cutting it into manageable sections.
4. Ice Removal: We remove the sections of ice from your roof and clear any remaining ice from your gutters, restoring proper drainage.

If the ice dam has already caused a leak, our certified water damage restoration team can immediately begin the process of drying out your home to prevent further damage.

After the Ice is Gone: Preventing Future Ice Dams

Removing an ice dam is a reactive solution; the best approach is to prevent them from forming in the first place. Ice dams are a symptom of a problem with your home’s thermal envelope. We can help you find a long-term solution.

• Improved Attic Insulation: Ensuring your attic is properly insulated to modern standards keeps heat in your living space and out of your attic.
• Proper Attic Ventilation: A well-ventilated attic allows cold air to circulate, keeping the roof deck cold and preventing snow from melting in the first place.
• Air Sealing: We can identify and seal air leaks from your living space into the attic, such as those around light fixtures, plumbing stacks, and attic hatches.

As expert roofing and remodeling contractors, we can provide a complete assessment and implement the permanent solutions you need. For a deeper understanding of the science behind this issue, the University of Minnesota Extension provides an excellent guide.

Your Ice Dam Questions Answered

My roof is actively leaking from an ice dam. What do I do?

First, take steps to catch the water and protect your belongings in the affected area. Then, call us immediately. An active leak is an emergency, and our 24/7 team will prioritize your call to get to your property as quickly as possible to remove the ice dam and stop the water intrusion.

Will the steam damage my shingles or roof?

No. When performed by a trained professional, low-pressure steaming is completely safe. The steam is hot enough to melt ice efficiently but is not a high-pressure jet that can lift or damage shingles. It is the only method recommended by roofing manufacturers and insurance companies.

How much does ice dam removal cost?

The cost depends on several factors, including the size and thickness of the ice dams, the height and pitch of your roof, and the amount of snow that needs to be cleared first. We provide transparent, upfront estimates before any work begins.