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Snow and Ice Dam Removal

Removing Snow and Ice Dams Before They Can Damage Your Home

Request A Quote

By clicking "Free Estimate", you agree to have Twin Siding and Roofing contact you about a free estimate and keep you informed about sales in the future. We may use an auto-phone system to contact you by phone or text. You do not need to make a purchase or submit this form but instead can call (651) 571-9557 to arrange for a free estimate. Please be aware that all calls are recorded for quality and safety purposes. Privacy Policy

Heavy Snow Poses a Threat to Your Home

Excessive snowfall is a way of life here in Minnesota. But did you know a heavy snowpack can cause structural damage to your home? Deep snow, especially if it is wet, can put enormous pressure on your roof and its underlying support structure.

Clearing away snowpack as soon as it is safe to do so will help reduce the potential for damage. We have trained teams who have the experience and equipment to safely remove heavy snow from your roof, easing the stress and reducing the chances of structural damage.

Res Snow Hero

Eliminating the Danger of Ice Dams

An “ice dam” is a winter time backup in your home’s gutter system that could allow water to seep under your roof, into your attic and down into the structure of your home. The first sign of an ice dam is typically the glittering icicles hanging down from the edge of your gutters. Ice dams can cause serious (and expensive) damage. We can help prevent ice dams from forming or remove them before they cause damage.

 

Contractor Installing Gutters On A Residential Building In The Winter With Snow On The Roof

How Ice Dams Form

When your roof is subject to temperature differentials between the area over the attic and the bottom few feet near the eave it is vulnerable to ice dams and subsequent damaging water leaks. As snow melts across the upper reaches of the roof, it trickles down toward the eave.

When the roof temperature at the eave is below freezing the trickle of water freezes, building up layer upon layer until a “dam” of ice eventually forms. Water collects behind it, forming a small pool. This pooled water rises under shingles until it seeps into your home through holes, gaps or cracks in your roof’s underlayment and decking.

Snow Cleaning Team Of Male Workers Clean Roof Of Building From Snow With Shovels In Securing Belts Of Mantra

How Much Damage Can an Ice Dam Cause?

Gravity causes water that seeps under your roof surface to flow downward and spread. The water can saturate insulation until it is no longer effective. It can soak the roof deck itself, and it can be  absorbed into structural beams and rafters, weakening them so that their load bearing ability is diminished. Water spilling over blocked gutters can flow down the outside of your home, staining the siding and pooling at the base of the foundation to cause further structure decay.

A particularly insidious problem caused by water seepage from ice dams is the formation of black mold inside your home’s walls that can weaken their structure. Black mold causes ugly stains on ceilings and walls that can spread. Worse, it can result in respiratory problems that can be serious for infants, the elderly, or anyone with a compromised immune system.

Perspective Of A Home From The Street During A Winter Storm With Gentle Snow Falling

Removing Ice Dams with Steam

Ice dams can be difficult to remove. Not only is the ice stubborn and often very thick, but removal also usually occurs in cold, slippery conditions that make working along a roof’s edge tricky and dangerous. It should be done by a qualified expert like Twin Cities Siding and Roofing.

The safest way to remove ice from your gutters or roof’s edge is by using live steam. At Twin Cities Siding and Roofing we have the equipment and experience necessary to provide this important service safely and efficiently. The high temperature steam we use can clear most roof edges in 1-3 hours, all without damaging the underlying structure.

Trying to break down an ice dam with a hammer or pick can cause even more damage to your roof, as frozen roof tiles and shingles can be brittle and easily break. Similarly, using a power washer to remove ice dams can do more harm than good.

Beautiful Scenery Village With Wooden Cabins Covered With Snow Surrounded By Fir Trees Norway

Preventing Ice Dams

Keeping ice dams from forming is the best way to protect your roof and home. Inhibiting ice dams from forming starts at the top peak of your roof. A properly vented roof can help keep attic temperatures balanced, which deters the cycle of “freeze and thaw” that allows ice dams to form.

It also helps if your eaves are shielded with a barrier layer, typically a self-adhering rubberized asphalt and fiberglass mat that self-seals when penetrated by fasteners. This can help prevent (or at least delay) water seepage from an ice dam backup. You can also have an electric warming heat cable system installed along the lower part of your roof. This raises the temperature of the roof edge to prevent melted snow from refreezing and forming an ice dam.

Another helpful step is to install a protective cover system for your gutters to keep debris out and help keep water flowing, preventing clogs and backups.

If a heavy snow occurs, removing the snow pack from your roof can help reduce the amount of snow melt available to form ice dams. This won’t prevent them entirely but can work to minimize damage. CAUTION: Snow removal from a roof deck can be dangerous and should be entrusted to professionals like the team at Twin Cities Siding and Roofing.

Highly-reputable Roofing Contractor

Twin Cities Siding and Roofing is a recognized exterior home contractor across Minnesota. In our almost 30 years of experience, TCSR has earned awards from several industry bodies like Angi and GuildQuality. We have been a recipient of the NARI Ace Award and twice, the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award.

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Hear From Our Clients

Discover the positive experiences homeowners across the Twin Cities and central Minnesota have had with our roofing services.
A truly professional outfit. From the initial conversation with Tom, and later with Jordan, Jeff, and Hayden the install of new siding / paint was pretty effortless. The job crews were great and timely. I highly recommend this company.

S. Pietromonaco

Unnamed 2

Top-notch work with excellent customer service. The entire process –start to finish–was beyond awesome. The house looks amazing and all people involved were readily available to answer my questions and help with any additional needs I had. I highly recommend Twin Cities Siding & Roofing.

Anthony Delorenzo

Anthony Delorenzo

A Durable Roof Starts with Twin Cities Siding and Roofing

Early detection prevents small issues from becoming major concerns. Twin Cities Siding and Roofing offers thorough roof inspection, and other roofing solutions.

Our team will carefully evaluate your roof, identify existing roof problems (as well as potential issues), and give honest recommendations on the best solution necessary. Call us today at (651) 571-9557 , and receive a free consultation.

Request A Quote

By clicking "Free Estimate", you agree to have Twin Siding and Roofing contact you about a free estimate and keep you informed about sales in the future. We may use an auto-phone system to contact you by phone or text. You do not need to make a purchase or submit this form but instead can call (651) 571-9557 to arrange for a free estimate. Please be aware that all calls are recorded for quality and safety purposes. Privacy Policy

Snow and Ice Dam Removal

Removing Snow and Ice Dams Before They Can Damage Your Home

Heavy Snow Poses a Threat to Your Home

Excessive snowfall is a way of life here in Minnesota. But did you know a heavy snowpack can cause structural damage to your home? Deep snow, especially if it is wet, can put enormous pressure on your roof and its underlying support structure.

Clearing away snowpack as soon as it is safe to do so will help reduce the potential for damage. We have trained teams who have the experience and equipment to safely remove heavy snow from your roof, easing the stress and reducing the chances of structural damage.

Res Snow Hero

Clearing away deep snow cover also helps reduce another big threat to your home: water damage. Left on its own, a melting snowpack has the potential to overwhelm your home’s gutter system, backing water up under shingles and into the interior. Once water infiltrates it can “travel” to cause damage to ceilings, walls, floors and even foundations.

After a heavy snowfall, call on Twin Cities Siding and Roofing to remove the snowpack from your roof, safely and securely, to minimize the threat of damage.

Eliminating the Danger of Ice Dams

An “ice dam” is a winter time backup in your home’s gutter system that could allow water to seep under your roof, into your attic and down into the structure of your home. The first sign of an ice dam is typically the glittering icicles hanging down from the edge of your gutters. Ice dams can cause serious (and expensive) damage. We can help prevent ice dams from forming or remove them before they cause damage.

How Ice Dams Form

When your roof is subject to temperature differentials between the area over the attic and the bottom few feet near the eave it is vulnerable to ice dams and subsequent damaging water leaks. As snow melts across the upper reaches of the roof, it trickles down toward the eave.

When the roof temperature at the eave is below freezing the trickle of water freezes, building up layer upon layer until a “dam” of ice eventually forms. Water collects behind it, forming a small pool. This pooled water rises under shingles until it seeps into your home through holes, gaps or cracks in your roof’s underlayment and decking.

How Much Damage Can an Ice Dam Cause?

Gravity causes water that seeps under your roof surface to flow downward and spread. The water can saturate insulation until it is no longer effective. It can soak the roof deck itself, and it can be  absorbed into structural beams and rafters, weakening them so that their load bearing ability is diminished. Water spilling over blocked gutters can flow down the outside of your home, staining the siding and pooling at the base of the foundation to cause further structure decay.

A particularly insidious problem caused by water seepage from ice dams is the formation of black mold inside your home’s walls that can weaken their structure. Black mold causes ugly stains on ceilings and walls that can spread. Worse, it can result in respiratory problems that can be serious for infants, the elderly, or anyone with a compromised immune system.

Removing Ice Dams with Steam

Ice dams can be difficult to remove. Not only is the ice stubborn and often very thick, but removal also usually occurs in cold, slippery conditions that make working along a roof’s edge tricky and dangerous. It should be done by a qualified expert like Twin Cities Siding and Roofing.

The safest way to remove ice from your gutters or roof’s edge is by using live steam. At Twin Cities Siding and Roofing we have the equipment and experience necessary to provide this important service safely and efficiently. The high temperature steam we use can clear most roof edges in 1-3 hours, all without damaging the underlying structure.

Trying to break down an ice dam with a hammer or pick can cause even more damage to your roof, as frozen roof tiles and shingles can be brittle and easily break. Similarly, using a power washer to remove ice dams can do more harm than good.

Preventing Ice Dams

Keeping ice dams from forming is the best way to protect your roof and home. Inhibiting ice dams from forming starts at the top peak of your roof. A properly vented roof can help keep attic temperatures balanced, which deters the cycle of “freeze and thaw” that allows ice dams to form.

It also helps if your eaves are shielded with a barrier layer, typically a self-adhering rubberized asphalt and fiberglass mat that self-seals when penetrated by fasteners. This can help prevent (or at least delay) water seepage from an ice dam backup. You can also have an electric warming heat cable system installed along the lower part of your roof. This raises the temperature of the roof edge to prevent melted snow from refreezing and forming an ice dam.

Another helpful step is to install a protective cover system for your gutters to keep debris out and help keep water flowing, preventing clogs and backups.

If a heavy snow occurs, removing the snow pack from your roof can help reduce the amount of snow melt available to form ice dams. This won’t prevent them entirely but can work to minimize damage. CAUTION: Snow removal from a roof deck can be dangerous and should be entrusted to professionals like the team at Twin Cities Siding and Roofing.

Call Twin Cities Siding and Roofing for Ice Dam Prevention and Ice Dam Removal

Don’t let an ice dam damage your home! Call us today at (651) 571-9557 for safe ice dam removal.

Better yet, call to schedule a FREE inspection and recommendations on how we can help prevent ice dams from causing structural damage.

Snow And Ice Dam RemovalCALL NOW