An ice dam in Milwaukee 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
Infinity Exteriors
4.8 from 2,499 reviews
Highly reviewed25 years in business
Ridge Top Exteriors
4.8 from 1,041 reviews
Highly reviewedOpen 24 hours20 years in businessStreet address on fileWebsite
Tri-County Contracting
4.9 from 798 reviews
Highly reviewed45 years in businessStreet address on fileWebsite
Modern Exterior Roofing
4.9 from 731 reviews
Highly reviewed10 years in businessStreet address on fileWebsite
WeatherPro Exteriors
4.9 from 673 reviews
Highly reviewed15 years in businessStreet address on fileWebsite
J&J Contractors I LLC
4.9 from 584 reviews
Highly reviewed40 years in businessStreet address on fileWebsite
Guardian Home Improvements
4.8 from 504 reviews
Highly reviewedOpen 24 hours25 years in businessStreet address on fileWebsite
Exterior Pros
4.6 from 623 reviews
15 years in businessStreet address on fileWebsite
All Season Roofing
4.9 from 404 reviews
Highly reviewed15 years in businessStreet 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.