3 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Ice Dam Removal Contractors

No homeowner wants to spend their winter evenings up on the rooftop hacking away at snow and ice. Wouldn’t you rather be inside by the fire, unbothered by the frightful weather outside?

Unfortunately, ice dams are notorious for ruining winter fun. Ice dams are slick barriers that can form at the edges of your roof after snow from the top melts and runs down.

If you spot an ice dam forming on your roof, it’s an act-fast-or-else kind of situation. It’s undoubtedly very dangerous to climb onto your roof by yourself, so do a quick search for “ice dam removal service near me,” and you’ll be on your way to a clear roof and a cozy home. But before you select a company, ask yourself—and them—a few important questions.

Why Should I Get Ice Dams Removed?

Ice dams can cause big issues if they’re not taken care of, such as:

  • Gutter damage: Your gutters can bend, bulge, or even detach under the weight of ice dams. You don’t want to see them falling off your home.
  • Shingle breakage: As snow melts from your roof, the water can seep underneath the shingles. When it refreezes, it can lift or even break them.
  • Leaks: That melting snow can do more harm than just lifting your shingles. It can seep into your home when it’s trapped by an ice dam, causing damage to beams, rafters, drywall, insulation, and personal belongings.
  • Roof collapse: While roof collapse typically only happens in extreme cases, all that weight pressing down makes it possible. It’s better not to risk it.

If you bring in professional ice dam removal contractors, you can reduce the risk of damage to your home and roof.

When Should I Get Ice Dams Removed?

Ice dams aren’t something you want to play a waiting game with. Clues that it might be time to get ice dams removed include:

  • Icicles on gutters: Large icicles hanging from gutters or roof edges indicate heat escaping, which can cause ice dams.
  • Interior water leaks: Water stains or dampness on ceilings or walls are a clear sign that ice dams are backing up water into your home. You might even notice mold or mildew growth. Yikes!
  • Frozen gutters: When gutters or downspouts are clogged with ice, they can no longer do their job properly.

Ice dam removal companies can inspect your roof and let you know what’s happening and if it’s time to get some work done.

What Methods Do Contractors Use?

Before you sign on the dotted line, look into what methods various contractors use. Not all ice dam removal methods are created equal. For example, dangerous ways of getting ice off a roof include open flame, ice picks, or chemicals like salt pucks and salt bags.

Alternatively, some professionals choose a steam machine which uses pressurized steam to melt ice.

But before ice can be melted off your roof, the snow has to be removed first. Make sure to use a team that does roof snow and ice removal. Otherwise, you will need to do it yourself with a special roof snow rake—just be careful not to dump the snow on yourself for an icy surprise.

What’s Their Fee Structure?

Many companies you may look into charge hourly. Prices often range between $300 and $600 per hour. Since every contractor charges differently, do your research to find a fair deal. It’s always a good idea to get quotes from contractors you trust across the board.

And remember—if you need ice removed from the roof of a commercial building, you’ll pay more and may need to find a bigger company to do the job.

Are the Contractors Insured?

Last, but not least, only hire contractors who are licensed and bonded. This means that the contractors meet professional standards, and that you’ll be compensated if they violate the contract. You want to choose accountable contractors and be protected if the job is done poorly.

Be careful—general insurance for many contractors doesn’t necessarily cover ice dam removal. Make sure to ask if that is covered under their insurance. Offering that level of security is a good indicator of the contractor’s quality of work.

Final Thoughts

Getting ice dams removed is unquestionably important for your home’s well-being, but here’s the deal: the only way to really put the issue to bed is to prevent them from coming back in the first place. When you get to the heart of the problem, you might find that the fix could be as simple as keeping your gutters clear, making sure your roof and attic are properly insulated and ventilated, or sealing up any ceiling gaps that are letting warm air escape. Whatever the case may be, having a professional roofing contractor in your court to help you find a solution is valuable.

The good news is that professional contractors do more than just get rid of the ice dams. They can also help you figure out what’s causing the problem and offer solid advice on how to prevent it from happening again. So while ice dam removal is crucial, getting ahead of the issue with a few smart improvements can save you headaches—and money—down the road.

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