Ice Dams
MetroWest's freeze-thaw winters build ice dams at the eaves that force water back under your shingles. We fix the cause: ventilation, insulation, and ice-and-water shield.
Understanding Ice Dams
Ice dams are one of the most damaging (and preventable) winter roof problems in New England. They form when heat escaping into the attic melts roof snow, which refreezes at the cold eaves.
An ice dam is a ridge of ice at the roof edge that traps meltwater behind it. That standing water works its way under the shingles and into the home, a leak that only shows in winter.
Free InspectionWhat CausesIce Dams in MetroWest
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
MetroWest crosses freezing dozens of times each winter, the exact condition that builds ice dams.
Poor Attic Insulation
Heat leaking into the attic melts roof snow unevenly, feeding the dam at the eaves.
Inadequate Ventilation
Without balanced intake and exhaust venting, the roof deck stays warm and snow keeps melting and refreezing.
Missing Ice-and-Water Shield
Older roofs often lack the membrane at the eaves that modern code and best practice require here.
Warning Signs
- Large icicles along the eaves
- Ice buildup at the roof edge
- Water stains on ceilings near exterior walls
- Damp attic insulation in winter
What Happens If You Wait
Ice dams force water under shingles into walls and ceilings, ruining insulation and finishes and rotting the deck. They also tear off gutters. The damage recurs every winter until the underlying attic and roof-edge issues are fixed.
How Black LadderFixes It
Safe Ice Dam Removal
We safely relieve active ice dams to stop water intrusion now.
Ice-and-Water Shield
On repair or replacement, we install membrane at the eaves so future meltwater can't get under the shingles.
Ventilation & Insulation Fixes
We correct attic ventilation and address insulation gaps so the roof stays cold and dams stop forming.
Ice DamsRepair Cost, 2026
Relieve active dams safely.
Stop dams from forming.
Built into every new roof.
The permanent fix is ventilation, insulation, and eave membrane. Our free inspection identifies exactly what your home needs. Get your exact quote →
Questions AboutIce Dams
What causes ice dams on my roof?
Ice dams form when heat escaping from your attic melts snow on the upper roof, and that meltwater refreezes when it reaches the cold overhangs at the eaves. Across MetroWest MA winters, repeated freeze-thaw cycles build a ridge of ice at the edge that traps water behind it and forces it back up under the shingles into the house.
How do I get rid of an ice dam safely?
For a quick fix, pull snow off the lower roof from the ground with a roof rake, and place calcium chloride ice melt (never rock salt, which corrodes metal and kills plants) in a nylon stocking laid across the dam to open a drainage channel. For a full removal, hire a pro with low-pressure steam; never chip or hammer at the ice, which almost always damages the shingles underneath. Black Ladder Group offers free inspections throughout MetroWest if you are seeing interior leaks.
Do ice dams mean I need a new roof?
Not usually, ice dams are almost always an attic insulation and ventilation problem rather than a roofing defect. However, if meltwater has already worked under the shingles and rotted the decking, or if your roof lacks ice-and-water shield at the eaves, a repair or replacement section may be needed. We inspect the roof and attic together so you only replace what is actually damaged.
Does homeowners insurance cover ice dam damage?
In Massachusetts, most standard homeowners policies cover the interior water damage caused by an ice dam, such as ruined ceilings, drywall, and insulation, though coverage for the roof itself and your deductible vary. Document everything with photos and call your carrier promptly, since New England insurers see many ice dam claims each winter. We can provide a written inspection report to support your claim.
How do I prevent ice dams permanently?
The permanent fix is keeping the roof deck cold: air-seal every gap between the living space and attic, add insulation to R-49 to R-60, and ensure continuous soffit-to-ridge ventilation so cold air washes the underside of the roof. Massachusetts homeowners can tap the Mass Save program, which covers 75 percent of approved insulation and air-sealing costs up to a $2,000 rebate, making this the most cost-effective long-term solution.
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Got ice dams? Don't wait.
A free inspection today can save thousands tomorrow. Get honest answers from a licensed, insured MetroWest roofer.