An ice dam in Chicago metro is an attic problem wearing a roof costume, and chipping the ice off treats the symptom.
At a glance
- Heat leaking into the attic melts the snow that later freezes at the eave.
- Never let anyone chip ice off with an axe or a hammer.
- Steam is the safe way to clear a dam. Salt pucks and hot water are not.
- The permanent fix is air sealing, insulation and balanced ventilation.
Highly rated roofers across the county
Ranked by rating and review count. Call two or three before you decide.
No 1
No 2
No 3
TTLC Inc.
4.9 from 1,069 reviews
Highly reviewedOpen 24 hours20 years in businessStreet address on fileWebsite
Proliance General Contractors & Roofing
4.8 from 637 reviews
Highly reviewed20 years in business
Countryside Roofing Siding and Windows, Inc.
4.8 from 537 reviews
Highly reviewed50 years in businessStreet address on fileWebsite
C&N Construction Inc.
4.6 from 627 reviews
10 years in businessStreet address on fileWebsite
M&M Home Remodeling Services - Arlington Heights
4.8 from 448 reviews
Highly reviewed50 years in businessStreet address on fileWebsite
Skyline Exteriors & Construction, PLLC
4.9 from 312 reviews
Highly reviewedStreet address on fileWebsite
Global Exterior Experts
4.8 from 341 reviews
Highly reviewed15 years in businessStreet address on fileWebsite
Gutters Wilson Installation Roofing Siding Service
5.0 from 269 reviews
Highly reviewed10 years in businessStreet address on fileWebsite
Anchor Point Roofing
5.0 from 260 reviews
Highly reviewedOpen 24 hoursStreet address on fileWebsite
Common questions
Are icicles a sign of an ice dam
Often yes. A few small ones after a thaw are normal. A thick band of ice along the whole eave with big icicles is a dam.
Does more insulation alone fix ice dams
Not usually. Air sealing has to come first, because insulation slows heat but does not stop air leaking straight past it.
Will my insurance cover ice dam damage
Many policies cover the resulting water damage inside. Fewer cover the cost of removing the ice. Read the policy before the first thaw.