How Ice Dams Form
Ice dams are caused by a combination of factors unique to Colorado winters:
Damage Caused by Ice Dams
Ice dams can cause significant damage if left untreated:
Emergency Ice Dam Removal
If you have an active ice dam, here is what to do:
Contain the Water
Place buckets under leaks. Move furniture and valuables away from affected areas. Puncture sagging ceilings to release trapped water.
Call a Roofer
Contact a roofing professional for emergency ice dam removal. Many offer 24/7 service for this issue.
Use Calcium Chloride
You can temporarily melt ice dams by filling pantyhose or stockings with calcium chloride ice melt and placing them across the roof in a cross pattern. Do NOT use rock salt—it damages shingles.
Do NOT Use a Pickaxe
Striking ice with tools can damage shingles, puncture the roof deck, and void warranties. This is dangerous and can cause more damage than the ice dam itself.
Preventing Ice Dams Long-Term
The best way to deal with ice dams is to prevent them:
When Ice Dams Indicate Bigger Problems
Frequent ice dams may indicate deeper issues:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove ice dams from my roof?
Emergency removal should be done by a professional roofer. You can temporarily melt ice dams using calcium chloride (NOT rock salt) in pantyhose placed across the roof. Never use a pickaxe or strike ice, as this can damage your roof and void warranties.
How do I prevent ice dams?
The best prevention is improving attic insulation and sealing air leaks to prevent heat from reaching the roof deck. Proper ventilation is also critical. Heating cables along the eaves provide temporary relief but should be combined with insulation and ventilation improvements.
Is an ice dam the same as icicles?
Icicles are frozen water dripping from the roof edge. Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the eaves, blocking water from draining off the roof. Both indicate heat loss from your attic, but ice dams cause active damage while icicles are mostly cosmetic.
How much does it cost to fix ice dams?
Emergency ice dam removal costs $500-$1,500. Long-term prevention (insulation, ventilation, heating cables) costs $1,500-$5,000 depending on the scope. The cost of prevention is far less than repairing water damage from ice dams.