An ice dam in Detroit 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.
Victors Home Solutions
4.8 from 5,073 reviews
HANSONS
4.4 from 4,295 reviews
Mills Siding and Roofing
4.8 from 1,622 reviews
Four Seasons Kanga Roof
4.8 from 1,117 reviews
Kearns Brothers
4.7 from 877 reviews
AllPoint Construction
4.6 from 722 reviews
McGlinch & Sons Co.
4.8 from 438 reviews
L&S Home Improvements
4.9 from 365 reviews
Schoenherr Roofing
5.0 from 316 reviews
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.