An ice dam is more than a ridge of ice at the eaves. By the time you see one, meltwater may already be backing up under shingles, soaking the roof deck and staining ceilings. Removing the ice is step one. Finding and fixing what it damaged is step two.
We connect Tahoe Basin homeowners with licensed roofing contractors for ICE Dam Removal, repairs after the ice is gone, and changes that help keep ice dams from coming back, from South Lake Tahoe and Stateline to Incline Village, Kings Beach and Tahoe City.
What's included
- ICE Dam Removal without chopping into shingles
- Leak tracing after an ice dam
- Shingle, underlayment and roof deck repair at the eaves
- Drip edge and flashing repair
- Gutter and hanger repair or re-hanging after ice damage
- Ice and water barrier at eaves and valleys during repairs or re-roofs
- Heat cable options for problem spots
- Advice on attic insulation, air sealing and ventilation
Signs you need this
- Ice ridge or heavy icicles along the eaves
- Ceiling or wall stains near outside walls during or after a thaw
- Gutters bent, sagging or pulled away after winter
- Lifted, cracked or missing shingles at the roof edge
- Peeling paint or wet trim under the eaves
- The same spot leaks every winter
What ice dams do to a roof
Shingles are made to shed water running downhill. Water held behind an ice dam can work its way up and under them, past the underlayment and into the roof deck. Repeated winters of this can rot the sheathing at the eaves.
The weight of ice can also bend gutters, pull out hangers and fascia fasteners, and tear drip edge loose. Large icicles and sliding ice can damage decks, railings and anything below.
Repairs after the ice is gone
Once the roof is clear, a roofer checks the eaves for damaged shingles, soft decking, failed flashing and gutters that need re-hanging or replacing. Inside, wet insulation and drywall may need attention, and photos help if you're filing an insurance claim.
If the roof is due for replacement, this is a good time to plan ice and water barrier along the eaves and in valleys, which helps protect the deck when meltwater backs up.
Preventing ice dams: heat cable, insulation and ventilation
Ice dams usually start with heat escaping from the house into the attic, warming the roof deck and melting snow above it. Air sealing the ceiling and adding attic insulation keep that heat inside. Balanced soffit and ridge ventilation helps keep the roof deck cold so snow melts more evenly.
Heat cables can help keep meltwater moving at known problem spots like eaves, valleys and gutters, but they treat the symptom rather than the heat loss behind it. A roofer can tell you whether cable, ventilation, insulation or a combination makes sense for your roof.
Snow on the roof
Heavy snow loads and ice dams often show up together. For roof snow removal and emergency ice dam relief, see our snow and ice dam removal service. For a deeper look at the cause, read our guide to ice dams explained.
ICE Dam Removal near you
We cover 25 towns around Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Carson Valley and the US-50 corridor:
Common questions
Do you offer ICE Dam Removal across the whole Tahoe Basin?
Yes. We cover South Lake Tahoe, Stateline, Zephyr Cove, Glenbrook, Incline Village, Crystal Bay, Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Carnelian Bay, Tahoe City, Homewood, Meyers and nearby towns like Truckee. Call (916) 494-8868.
Can an ice dam damage my roof even if it doesn't leak inside?
Yes. Water can soak underlayment and the roof deck at the eaves before any stain shows up inside. Ice can also damage gutters, hangers and drip edge. A roof check after the ice is gone is a good idea.
Are heat cables worth it?
They can help at specific problem spots, but they don't fix the heat loss that causes ice dams. They also need to be installed correctly and switched on when needed.
Will fixing insulation and ventilation stop ice dams?
It addresses the main cause. Results depend on the house, roof design and snow, so a roofer or insulation contractor should look at your attic.
Is ice dam damage covered by insurance?
It depends on your policy and what was damaged. Take photos and talk to your insurer early.