Ice Dam Removal & Prevention in NYC
Ice dams can force meltwater under your shingles and into ceilings and walls. We remove ice dams carefully so the roof is not damaged, and we look at why they formed. Removal helps right now, while insulation, air sealing, and ventilation help prevent a repeat.
- 20 years in business
- 10-year warranty on replacements
- Within 2 hours for leaks
- Free written estimate
Problems this solves
- Thick ridges of ice along the eaves
- Water stains on ceilings near exterior walls
- Water dripping inside walls or around windows
- Large icicles hanging from gutters
- Gutters pulled loose by ice weight
- Meltwater leaking after a snowstorm
- Wet or stained attic insulation
- Peeling paint near the roofline
- Snow melting unevenly on the roof
- Repeated ice dams every winter
Ice Dam Removal explained
An ice dam forms when heat escaping from the house melts snow on the upper roof. The meltwater runs down to the cold eave, refreezes, and builds a ridge of ice. Water that pools behind that ridge can back up under shingles and leak inside. Removing the ice dam relieves that pressure and lets water drain. The safest methods take the ice off without hammering or chopping the roof, which can crack shingles and damage flashing. Removal is a short-term fix. The lasting solution is to keep the roof deck cold by sealing air leaks, improving insulation, and ventilating the attic properly.
Options and materials
Steam removal
Low-pressure steam melts the ice without hitting the shingles. This is the preferred method for thick dams and works without hammering or tools that scrape the roof.
Relief channels
Cut narrow channels so trapped water can drain off the roof. A fast way to stop an active leak while the rest of the ice is dealt with.
Snow removal from the roof
Clear snow from the roof edge so it cannot melt and refreeze into a dam, using roof-safe tools that do not scrape the shingles.
Gutter and downspout clearing
Free ice from gutters and downspouts so meltwater has a path off the roof, where it is safe to do so.
Prevention assessment
Review attic insulation, air leaks, and ventilation and recommend fixes. We can handle roofing-related parts and advise on insulation work.
Our process
- Assess the roof and the iceWe check how thick the ice is, where water is entering, and whether the roof, gutters, or flashings are at risk.
- Agree on a safe methodWe explain the plan, which usually means steam rather than hammers or axes, and what we can and cannot do in the weather conditions.
- Protect and set upWe protect the property, set up safe roof and ladder access, and keep people clear of areas where ice may fall.
- Remove the ice carefullyIce is melted or removed without prying at shingles, and relief channels are cut where water needs a path out.
- Check for damageAfter removal, we look at shingles, flashing, and gutters for damage that the ice may have caused.
- Advise on preventionWe note likely causes such as air leaks, thin insulation, or poor ventilation, and recommend steps to reduce repeat ice dams.
What affects the price
Amount of ice
Small dams at a short eave take less time than thick ice around an entire roofline.
Roof height and pitch
Steep or tall roofs need more safety equipment and slower, more careful work.
Method used
Steam equipment and the time it takes to melt thick ice affect labor and equipment cost.
Access
Narrow side yards, heavy snow, and icy ground can slow setup and make work harder.
Extra services
Roof snow clearing, gutter work, and follow-up visits are scoped separately.
Emergency timing
Urgent calls during or right after a storm, nights, and weekends may be handled differently than scheduled work.
Getting a price
Because these factors change from roof to roof, we don't publish one-size-fits-all prices. We inspect your roof for free and give you a written, itemized estimate before any work starts.
Every ice dam removal job includes
- Assessment of ice, roof, and leak locations
- Removal using roof-safe methods
- Relief channels where needed to drain trapped water
- Protection of landscaping and entrances
- Safety setup for roof and ground access
- Post-removal check of shingles, flashing, and gutters
- Photos of conditions found
- Written notes on likely causes and prevention steps
- Cleanup of ice and debris around the work area
Written workmanship warranty on every job; full roof replacements carry our 10-year warranty. Warranty terms.