Roof · triage
Ice dams and icicles at the roof edge
The short answer
Ice dams form when heat escaping into the attic melts snow that refreezes at the cold eaves. Don’t chip the ice. Rake snow from the ground with a roof rake, contain any leak, and fix attic air leaks and insulation later.
No climbing, no chippingFalls from ladders on ice are a leading winter injury. Chipping or salting can damage shingles and gutters. Stay on the ground.
Every outcome on this card
TodayAn ice dam is leaking inside
Contain it today.
- Catch water and move belongings
- From the ground, rake snow off the lower roof edge Use a roof rake; don’t stand under the edge.
- Call a roofer or ice-dam service Steam removal is the safe professional method.
WatchIce outside, no leak
Watch and plan the attic fix.
- Rake snow from the lower roof from the ground
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear
- Plan an attic air-sealing and insulation check
Heat from the house warms the roof deck; meltwater refreezes at the colder overhang and backs up under shingles.
Related
Written from
Original casaq guidance, updated 2026-10-05. General guidance, not a diagnosis; licensed-pro review pending. Severity levels: Emergency now / Today / This week / This month / Watch. Send a correction.
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