Ice Dams in Lansing, MI
With around 51 inches of snow a season, Lansing roofs spend months under a white blanket. When heat escapes into the attic, that blanket melts from below and refreezes at the edge.
Request a rooferHow an ice dam forms
Warm air leaking into the attic warms the roof deck. Snow melts, runs down to the cold overhang and freezes. The ridge of ice grows and traps water behind it.
Warning signs
Thick icicles, a ridge of ice along the gutters, water stains on top-floor ceilings or exterior walls and peeling paint near the eaves.
Safe removal
Steam is the safe way to clear an ice dam. Chipping with hammers or chisels damages shingles, and climbing an icy ladder is dangerous.
Roof rakes
Raking the first few feet of snow off the eaves from the ground reduces melt at the edge. Use a rake made for roofs and keep clear of power lines.
The real fix
Air sealing the attic floor, adding insulation and balancing ventilation keep the roof deck cold. That stops dams from forming in the first place.
Heat cables
Heat cables along the eaves can help on trouble spots, but they treat the symptom. Use them alongside attic fixes, not instead.
Get help
Tell the roofer where the ice builds and whether water has come inside. Send a request and a roofer will get in touch.
Interior damage
Ice dam leaks often show on exterior walls rather than ceilings. Check for peeling paint near the eaves inside.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I chip the ice off myself?
- No. It damages shingles and gutters and is risky. Steam removal by a professional is safer.
- Do gutters cause ice dams?
- Gutters don't cause them, but clogged gutters full of ice make them worse. Clean gutters in fall.
Other roofing services
Need ice dams & winter damage in Lansing?
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