Ice Dam Restoration

What Is an Ice Dam?

Ice dams form when heat from inside a building warms the roof, causing snow to melt and refreeze at the edge. This frozen ridge blocks proper drainage, forcing water beneath shingles and into your attic, walls, and ceilings.

How Do Ice Dams Form?

Ice dams are typically caused by:

• Snow accumulation on the roof

• Uneven roof temperatures due to attic heat loss

• Freeze–thaw cycles that occur throughout the winter

Common warning signs:

• Heavy icicles

• Ice buildup along gutters

• Water stains on ceilings

• Sagging drywall

• Dripping from light fixtures or vents

What Should I Do If Water Is Leaking Into My House?

When you see water inside, even slow drips, take action immediately.

Step 1: Protect the inside of your home.

Use buckets, towels, or plastic to catch water.

Step 2: Don’t chip or break the ice outside.

This can damage your roof.

Step 3: Use a roof rake if safe.

Roof rake to pull snow off the first 3–4 feet of your roof from the ground, never climb onto the roof.

Step 4: Call Kelmann Restoration right away.

We specialize in water damage mitigation, drying, and preventing further damage.

Who Should You Call First When an Ice Dam Appears?

During an ice dam event, homeowners often consider calling a roofer or other contractor first. However, if there is interior water damage, it’s critical to call a property damage restoration company first.

Call Kelmann Restoration for active water damage.

We address the emergency happening inside your home, the part that can worsen quickly if left untreated. Once we stabilize and dry the affected areas, we can work with you to recommend long-term solutions.

Can Ice Dams Be Fully Fixed in Winter?

The ice dam itself can be managed, but the root issue typically cannot be fully repaired until conditions change. Kelmann can mitigate the interior damage immediately by drying, stabilizing, and working to prevent further damage. Full restoration and repair will likely take place when the ice and snow are gone and the source of the damage can be safely accessed and evaluated. Long-term solutions often require improved insulation, ventilation, or roofing repairs.

Kelmann helps you through the urgent stage, protects your home, and guides you through the process until full repairs can be completed.

How to Prevent Ice Dams

While no method can guarantee a winter free of ice dams, especially in severe weather, you can greatly reduce your risk with proper preventative steps.

Short-Term / Winter Prevention Tips

These steps help limit ice buildup during active winter conditions:

• Use a roof rake to regularly remove snow from the lower 3–4 feet of your roof.

• Clear gutters before winter to improve drainage.

• Use heat cables along roof edges or in gutters (installed before winter).

• Maintain consistent indoor humidity to reduce heat escaping into the attic.

• Use calcium chloride “socks” as a temporary measure to create channels through the ice if needed.

Long-Term / Permanent Prevention Solutions

These address the root cause of ice dams: uneven roof temperatures.

• Upgrade attic insulation to reduce heat loss.

• Improve attic ventilation to keep the roof temperature consistent from top to edge.

• Seal attic air leaks around light fixtures, fans, attic hatches, and ducting.

• Have your roof system inspected for ventilation and flashing issues.

Kelmann can help you identify whether the water damage you’re seeing is caused by insulation failures, ventilation problems, or roof deficiencies, and connect you with the right professionals once conditions allow for repairs.

Need Help Now?

If you’re seeing stains, drips, sagging drywall, or water entering your home during winter weather, Kelmann Restoration is ready to respond 24/7.