We use low-pressure steam equipment that melts ice dams safely — no picks, no chisels, no pressure washers that shred shingles. Most emergency removals are completed the same day or next day during the winter season.
HOW WE REMOVE ICE DAMS SAFELY
Our low-pressure steam machines generate steam at around 300°F — hot enough to melt ice on contact, not hot enough to damage asphalt shingles, aluminum flashing, or vinyl gutters. We work the steam wand along the ice dam from the bottom up, creating drainage channels that let trapped water escape before the ice is fully melted.
A typical single-story residential ice dam takes 1–3 hours to fully remove depending on thickness and length. We create drainage channels first to relieve immediate water backup, then clear the full dam. You'll see the water flowing freely before we pack up.
We also document the ice dam and any visible roof damage with photos before and after removal — useful if you're filing an insurance claim for interior water damage.
WHY STEAM IS THE ONLY SAFE METHOD
Cracks shingles, damages flashing, can puncture the roof deck. Voids most shingle warranties.
Damages shingles, kills vegetation, corrodes gutters. Creates wet spots that refreeze worse.
Forces water under shingles, strips granules, damages sealant strips. Never appropriate in winter.
Steam is the industry-accepted standard for safe ice dam removal. It's more expensive than someone with a hammer, but it's the only method that removes ice dams without creating a second repair bill.
EMERGENCY VS. SCHEDULED REMOVAL
If you have active water coming through your ceiling or walls, that's an emergency — call us immediately at (330) 555-8301. We prioritize active-leak calls and aim to respond within 24 hours during the winter season.
If you can see large ice dams forming but don't have active leaking yet, that's a scheduled removal situation. We can typically fit non-emergency calls within 2–4 days depending on the season's demand. Don't wait — an ice dam without a current leak can develop one quickly during the next freeze-thaw cycle.
WHAT TO DO WHILE YOU WAIT
- Place buckets or towels under active drips — protect your floors and belongings.
- Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the leak area.
- Take photos and video of all visible water damage before cleaning up — you'll need this for your insurance claim.
- Do NOT go on your roof. Icy roofs cause serious falls every winter.
- If the ceiling is bulging with trapped water, poke a small hole in the center to control where it drains — better than a ceiling collapse.
AFTER REMOVAL — PREVENTING THE NEXT ICE DAM
Removal stops the bleeding, but it doesn't fix why your roof formed an ice dam in the first place. After we remove your ice dam, we'll walk you through what we found — heat loss patterns, ventilation issues, problem valleys — and give you a prevention recommendation.
The permanent fix for most Twinsburg homes is a combination of increased attic insulation (R-49), proper soffit-to-ridge ventilation, and targeted heat cables in the problem areas. See our ice dam prevention page for details.