Ice Dam Removal Experts
Property Refresh offers professional roofing ice dam removal in Chicago. We specialize in safely and effectively removing pesky ice damming from residential and commercial rooftops. An ice dam on the roof forms when large amounts of snow accumulate on a roof, while the bottom layers of snow melt due to heat from inside the building. The water then seeps into the shingles, refreezes, and creates an impenetrable barrier or "ice dam." The build-up of this icy obstruction restricts proper drainage causing water to back up on the roof, which can cause serious damage, including torn-off shingles and even leaking ceilings.
Property Refresh is fully equipped with the knowledge and tools to quickly remove ice dams from any roof - metal, asphalt, tile roofs, and more. As one of the industry's leading ice dam removal companies in Chicago, we employ only certified technicians trained in safety protocols who understand the complexity of working at heights. We utilize highly effective methods such as thermally-controlled steam systems to remove dangerous ice dams without damaging your property. Property Refresh's team can also provide a wide range of additional services, such as snow removal, gutter and downspout cleaning, roof inspections, and more.
At Property Refresh, we're dedicated to helping you protect your investment by providing a high-quality ice dam removal service to keep your home safe during harsh winter. Contact us today and let our experienced team take care of all your residential or commercial rooftop needs!
What is an Ice Dam on the Roof?
A roofing ice dam is a ridge of solid ice that forms at the roof's edge when the snow melts and freezes along the eaves. Ice damming can prevent melting snow from draining off the roof, causing water to back up and potentially leak into the roof or building structure.
What Causes Ice Dams in the Winter?
Fluctuating temperatures in winter months cause the formation of an ice dam. When it's cold outside, snow accumulates on roofs, and when it's warmer, some of this snow melts and runs down to the bottom edge of the roof. If temperatures stay warm enough for long enough periods, this runoff may reach freezing temperatures near the eaves before completely draining off the roof, leading to the formation of an ice dam that will continue growing until removed or melted away with warmer weather. Ice dams become more likely and extensive as winter progresses since more snow accumulates on roofs over time and days are shorter, and temperatures are colder during later winter months. Call Property Refresh for our ice dam removal service and more at (224) 386-4836.
How to Prevent Ice Dams?
One of the best ways to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof during the winter is through proper insulation and ventilation. A well-insulated attic or roof space keeps heat from escaping and prevents cold air from entering. This helps keep snow on the roof from melting and refreezing near the eaves, which can cause an ice dam to form. Proper ventilation is also important, as it allows heated air in the attic to escape and move outward rather than down into living spaces.
Ice dam prevention starts with ensuring that snow is cleared away regularly, especially near the edges of your roof. Warm air leaking out of a home can cause snow to melt more quickly near eave areas, so it's important to remove excess snow so that water doesn't build up and refreeze in these areas. Additionally, you should make sure that you don't have any small openings in your attic or along exterior walls where warm air may escape and reach the eave area of your roof. Ice dam removal in Chicago is especially important due to the harsh weather wearing down the structure of houses making heat emitting gaps common.
And lastly, remember that clean gutters and downspouts are essential to ice dam prevention. Keeping gutters clean helps prevent ice dams from forming by allowing meltwater to drain away from the roof quickly rather than staying in place and refreezing into an ice dam.
What To Do If You Notice a Roofing Ice Dam?
If you already have an ice dam formed on your roof, the best advice is not to panic and to contact a professional ice dam removal service as soon as possible. Call Property Refresh at (224) 386-4836; we will come out the same or the next day to assess the situation and provide you with a FREE quote. Once the estimate is approved, our ice dam removal pros will remove an ice accumulation from your roof, inspect and clean your gutters if necessary and check your roof for damage.
So breathe easy and trust us with your ice dam removal needs today - we've got you covered!
Our main goal at Property Refresh is to provide our customers with exceptional service at a reasonable price. Every day, we work hard to meet your highest expectations, gain your trust, and earn repeat business. Please read reviews other customers left us to see what they think about Property Refresh before you call us.
Ice Dam Removal - Frequently Asked Questions
What causes ice dams to form on my roof?
Ice dams form when heat escaping through your roof melts snow on the upper portion of the roof. The melted water flows down to the colder eaves and refreezes, creating a ridge of ice that blocks further drainage. As more water pools behind this ice barrier, it can seep under shingles and into your home, causing water damage to ceilings, walls, insulation, and even your home's structure. Poor attic insulation, inadequate ventilation, and clogged gutters all contribute to ice dam formation. Keeping gutters clean before winter is one of the most effective preventive measures.
How do you safely remove ice dams?
At Property Refresh, we use low-pressure steam ice dam removal — the safest and most effective method available. Unlike chipping, salting, or using heat cables, steam gently melts the ice without damaging your shingles, flashing, or gutters. Our trained technicians work from ladders with proper safety equipment and systematically melt the ice dam, creating drainage channels so trapped water can flow off your roof. The entire process is shingle-safe, gutter-safe, and won't void your roof warranty.
Can ice dams cause interior water damage?
Yes — and it's one of the most common and costly consequences of untreated ice dams. When water backs up behind the ice barrier, it can penetrate under shingles and ice-and-water shield, seeping into your attic, ceiling, and interior walls. Signs of damage include water stains on ceilings, peeling paint, damp insulation, and in severe cases, mold growth. If you notice icicles forming along your roofline or water stains inside your home during winter, call us immediately at (224) 386-4836 for emergency ice dam removal before the damage worsens.
How can I prevent ice dams from forming?
The best long-term prevention is improving your attic insulation and ventilation so heat doesn't escape through the roof. In the short term, keeping your gutters clean before winter ensures proper drainage and reduces the likelihood of ice buildup. Raking snow off the lower three feet of your roof after heavy snowfalls also helps. Avoid using rock salt or calcium chloride on your roof, as these chemicals can damage shingles and metal components. If you're prone to recurring ice dams, contact us for a consultation on preventive strategies.
Do you offer emergency ice dam removal services?
Yes! Ice dams can cause rapid water damage, so we offer priority scheduling during Chicago's winter months. When you call with an urgent ice dam situation, we work to get a crew to your property as quickly as possible — often within 24-48 hours. Our team is equipped with commercial-grade steam units that can handle even the largest ice dams safely and efficiently. Don't wait until water is pouring into your home — if you see warning signs like large icicles or ice buildup along your eaves, call (224) 386-4836 or book online right away.