Ice Dam Prevention and Spring Roof Checks in Minnesota
Removing a dam fixes this winter. Knowing why it formed fixes the next one. We look at what's heating your roof, where it's happening, and what a winter of ice may have left behind.
Why ice dams keep coming back
Ice dams form when heat from the house warms the roof and melts the snow, then the water refreezes at the cold eave. The same spots ice up every year because the same heat is escaping in the same places.
- Warm air leaking into the attic around lights, vents and attic hatches
- Thin or uneven attic insulation
- Blocked or missing roof and soffit vents
- Gutters and downspouts that clog and hold ice
- Valleys and low-slope sections that collect snow
What a prevention visit looks at
We look at the pattern of where your house ices up, check the attic access and ventilation where we can, and look at gutters, downspouts and problem roof sections. Then we tell you plainly what's likely causing it.
The spring roof check
A winter of ice and snow can leave damage that doesn't show until the next rain. Once the snow is gone, we check the areas that were dammed for lifted or cracked shingles, bent gutters and signs of water getting in.
What happens after
We focus on ice dams and snow. If something needs insulation, ventilation or roofing work, we'll tell you what we saw and point you to the right next step. No pressure and no upsell.
The visit, step by step.
Controlled heat, low pressure, and the water stops first.
Map the problem
We note where the house ices up and how bad it gets.
Find the heat
We look for the warm spots: attic leaks, ventilation and insulation gaps where we can see them.
Check the drainage
Gutters, downspouts, valleys and low-slope areas get a close look.
Spring check
After the melt, we check the dammed areas for damage the ice left behind.
Plain-English notes
You get photos and a short list of what we'd fix first.
Can ice dams be prevented completely?
Not always, but you can make them much less likely. Reducing heat loss into the attic and clearing roof snow before warm spells does the most.
Do heat cables work?
They can help in specific spots, like valleys or a stubborn eave, but they don't fix the heat loss causing the dam. We'll tell you if they make sense for your roof.
When should I schedule a spring roof check?
Once the snow is off the roof and before spring rains, usually as soon as the melt is done.
Do you do the insulation or roof repairs?
We focus on ice dams and snow. If you need other work, we'll explain what we found and point you to the right next step.
Often done in the same visit.
Get ahead of roof ice.
Schedule ice dam removal, or call now if water is coming into your home. Don't climb onto an icy roof. Keep clear of falling ice and let a pro take it from here.