Ice dam removal in Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh winters bounce above and below freezing, which is exactly what ice dams need. If you see a thick ridge of ice at the eaves or water running down the inside of a wall, getting rid of ice dams before the next thaw prevents real ice damage to the roof. Better insulation and attic ventilation help keep them from coming back.
Priced by the job
What causes ice dams
Heat escaping into the attic warms the upper part of the roof and melts the underside of the snow. That water runs down to the cold eaves and refreezes into a ridge. More melt backs up behind it and works up under the shingles, where it finds nail holes and seams. So an ice dam is really an attic problem that shows up on your roof, and roof ventilation is a big part of the cure.
Safe removal
Removing an ice dam is a job to do carefully. Please don't take a hammer, a chisel or a hatchet to the ice. That breaks shingles and puts you on a ladder over a sheet of ice. Salt and de-icers can also damage roofing and plants. We open channels with the right methods so trapped water can drain, then clear what is needed without tearing up the shingles.
Keeping them from coming back
Getting rid of ice dams on the roof fixes this winter. The lasting fix is to keep the roof deck cold and protect the eaves.
- Air-seal attic bypasses at lights, chases and hatches
- Add attic insulation where it falls short
- Open soffit intake and add baffles
- Install continuous ridge vent
- Install ice and water shield at the eaves when the roof is replaced
- Use heat cable only on problem spots
How the work goes
- Call us
Tell us where the ice is and if water is coming inside.
- Open a channel
We relieve the backed-up water first, because that is what is leaking.
- Clear the ice
We remove what is needed without damaging the shingles.
- Fix the attic
We recommend and price the ventilation and insulation fixes.
Common questions
What causes ice dams on roofs?
Attic heat melts snow on the upper roof, then the water refreezes at the cold eaves. Warm air leaks, thin insulation and weak ventilation are the usual causes.
How do you stop ice dams on your roof?
Keep the attic cold. Seal air leaks, add insulation, balance soffit and ridge ventilation and make sure the eaves are protected with ice and water shield.
Can ice dams cause roof damage?
Yes. They can lift shingles, tear gutters and force water under the roofing into walls and ceilings.
Can ice dams cause mold?
They can, because they often leave insulation and framing wet. Dry the area quickly, and have anything that stayed wet checked.
Can ice dams be prevented?
Mostly, yes. Good air sealing, insulation and ventilation solve the vast majority of them.
Can ice dams form on metal roofs?
They can, though less often, since snow slides off metal more easily. Low slopes and poorly insulated attics are still at risk.
Why is my roof leaking after snow?
Usually an ice dam, or snow melting over a flashing that has a small opening. It can also be frost in the attic melting on a warm day.