Ice Dam Removal for Twin Cities Homes

We love Minnesota, but being a homeowner here means having to worry about ice dams. When snow accumulates on a roof, melts, and then freezes, ice dams can form and prevent water from draining properly through the gutters. If the issue is not addressed quickly, the trapped water can seep into your roof and infiltrate your home, causing water damage to your shingles, roof, and ceilings.

You should have your roof inspected for ice dams this winter if any of the following applies:

You've had an ice dam on your roof before.
Icicles have formed along the edge of your roof.
Water drips down the exterior or interior of your home.
Your gutters are filled with ice.
Your attic has poor ventilation and insulation.
Your roof is covered in a large amount of snow.

If you need ice dam removal, you'll find many contractors in the Twin Cities. But some ice dam removal methods they're offering, like chipping, salt, and high-pressure washing, have a risk of staining, gouging, or otherwise damaging your roofing materials. At Midwest Exteriors MN, we specialize in a steaming method that removes ice dams without damaging your roof or shingles. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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Our Ice Dam Removal Method

Midwest Exteriors MN's ice dam removal method is the fastest and safest way to clear ice and snow your roof. Our secret weapon? Low-pressure steam. The machine we use for ice dam removal produces 300 PSI – the sweet spot with water pressure. It's enough pressure to remove a large ice dam, but not forceful enough to damage your roof or shingles.

Steaming loosens large sheets and chunks of ice. This means it's also less messy than other methods that remove the ice by melting it. While we're up there, we'll look at your whole roofing system and let you know what you can do to prevent ice dams from forming again.

No matter what ice dam removal method you opt for, it's wise to hire a professional. It's dangerous to climb a ladder and get up on a potentially slippery roof to remove snow and ice, and you can easily damage your roof and gutters if you don't know what you're doing. Leave the ladder in the garage and call Midwest Exteriors MN for fast ice dam removal! Our experienced contractors understand how to properly care for your roof through every season.

Ice Dam FAQs

If you're looking for more information about ice dam removal, feel free to reach out to our team via phone or email.

What are ice dams?

Ice dams are thick ridges of solid ice that build up along the eaves of a home and prevent drainage.

How do ice dams form?

Ice dams often form due to poor insulation in an attic and/or roof. After a snowfall, the warm roof melts the snow, which then runs down the roof’s incline. On a warm day, the water will collect in the gutter and drain away from your home. But if temperatures drop to freezing or below, the water running off the roof begins to freeze at the edges, because the eaves are colder than the rest of the roof. As time goes by, the ice dam grows larger and larger, blocking water from passing through the gutters.

How to get rid of ice dams?

There are several methods for ice dam removal, including chipping, salt, and high-pressure washing. However, these methods come with risks; salt products can stain, water that’s too pressurized can deteriorate your roofing, and chipping with sharp tools could end up putting holes in your shingles or roof. For the fastest, safest ice dam removal, we highly recommend low-pressure steam. By loosening large chunks of ice, steam can remove ice dams without risk of damage.

Does roof raking prevent ice dams?

Having a professional remove snow from your roof periodically with a rake is one way to prevent ice dams. But if you want to get rid of ice dams for good, you may need to make some improvements to your home. Increasing ventilation, adding insulation, and sealing off air leaks that might warm the underside of your roof will keep your home protected from ice dams.

Can you put ice melt on your roof?

Ice melt pucks can work in some situations, but they’re not reliable for thawing large areas of ice or ice that’s high up on the roof. Salt methods may also discolor shingles or other roofing materials, and any salt that reaches the ground is not great for the environment.

Prevent Ice Dams With an Inspection

If you've noticed large icicles on the eaves of your home, you could have an ice dam problem. The only way to know for sure is to have your roof inspected by a professional. If you do have ice dams, removal is incredibly cost-effective when compared to roof repair or mold removal. Not to mention, ice dams can be dangerous for anyone walking near or under the roof, where jagged icicles could fall.

Don't put yourself or your home at risk. Contact Midwest Exteriors MN to schedule an inspection. If we find ice dams, we'll remove them with low-pressure steam - the safest way to remove ice dams without damaging your roof. As experts in home exteriors, we can also inspect your roof to identify what's causing the ice dams, and offer you an estimate for repair if deemed necessary. Call us today: (651) 346-9477.