De-icing cables
Roof de-icing cables are added in problem spots with cables in downspouts too.
Exterior Services
Ice Dam Removal Parsippany, NJ
A roofing contractor in Parsippany can clear ice dams from eaves, valleys and gutters with steam, which melts the ice without damaging shingles, before meltwater backs up under the shingles. Dial (862) 693-4349 to talk with a local roofer about the ice.
An ice dam is a ridge of ice at the edge of the roof that traps melting snow behind it, and that trapped water is what leaks into the house. Shingles shed running water well, but standing water behind an ice dam can work up under them and through the nail holes. They form wherever snow sits on a roof while outdoor temperatures stay below freezing, especially above heated living space.
The wrong removal method can damage a roof more than the ice did. Chipping at the ice with a hammer, axe or shovel cracks shingles, punctures the roof and tears gutters loose, and rock salt can damage shingles, metal and plants below. A steamer melts the ice from the top down, letting the trapped water drain without harming the roof.
Before the visit, a quick look from the ground can help. Look for which sides of the roof have ice, whether there are stains inside and whether gutters are packed with ice. Never get on a snowy or icy roof, and keep clear of the roof edge where ice and icicles can drop.
Many ice dam removal calls in Parsippany also turn up a need for roof ventilation or gutter guard installation.
Looking for Parsippany ice dam removal? Call (862) 693-4349 to talk to a local roofer.
Call nowThe process
How ice dam removal works
Good removal is about the right tools and a safe approach.
Assess the ice
Before anything else, the ice, the gutters and any leaks inside are assessed. Icy conditions call for proper safety gear and careful access.
Remove snow load
Snow above the dam is cleared, leaving a thin layer so the shingles are not scraped. Less snow means less water behind the ice.
Steam the dam
Steam is used to melt through the ice in sections, starting at the gutter and working up. The method protects the roofing underneath.
Clear the gutters
Ice is steamed out of gutters and downspouts so water can drain. Drainage has to work for the fix to hold.
Check for leaks
The roofer checks for damage to shingles, flashing and gutters, and looks at the attic for signs of heat loss. That points to the real fix, not just the removal.
What is included
What ice dam removal covers
Ice dam steaming
Ice ridges are cleared without hammers or salt without harming shingles.
Gutter ice removal
Frozen gutters are steamed open so meltwater can drain.
Leak inspection
The roofer looks at the attic for heat loss to stop future ice dams.
Snow raking
Snow is cleared from the lower roof above the eaves to lighten the roof.
Related service
Roof Heat Cable Installation Parsippany, NJ
Roof heat cable installation lays electric heating cable along the roof edge, in gutters and down the downspouts to keep a path open for meltwater. The cables do not melt all the snow, they just keep drainage paths open. Cable types differ in how they handle heat output, and the choice affects energy use.
For Parsippany homes with ice dams in the same spots every winter, heat cables can be a practical backup while the attic is being fixed. Heat cables are electrical equipment and should be installed with ground-fault protection. Heat cables are a backup, not a cure for heat loss.
Related service
Roof Snow Removal Parsippany, NJ
Removing snow from the roof cuts down on ice dams and relieves heavy snow loads. A roof rake with a long handle lets snow be pulled off the first few feet of roof from the ground, leaving a thin layer so the shingles are not scraped. Keep any rake well away from power lines, and stay off snowy roofs entirely.
Many Parsippany homeowners clear the roof after big storms to avoid both ice dams and heavy loads. If ceilings sag or you hear cracking, the roof may be overloaded. Leave the area and have the structure checked before going back in.
Local help
Ice Dam Removal Near Me
Ice dam calls in Parsippany come from older homes with little attic insulation and newer homes with complex roof lines alike. Across Parsippany and nearby communities including Lake Hiawatha, Mountain Lakes, Boonton and Whippany, the homes that get ice dams year after year are usually the ones with the most attic heat loss, and fixing the heat loss is what keeps the ice from returning.
For ice dam removal in Parsippany, NJ or nearby towns like Lake Hiawatha, Mountain Lakes, Boonton and Whippany, call (862) 693-4349 to reach a roofer who covers your street.
What the local climate does to a roof
Winters here are long and cold, with snow on the roof for weeks at a time and plenty of nights below freezing. Heat escaping from the attic melts snow on the upper roof, and the water refreezes at the colder eaves, which is how ice dams form and back water up under the shingles. Strong coastal storms push rain into every weak spot at the flashing and valleys. That is why roof repair in Parsippany is busiest after a hard winter and before the next one.
Why call
Why fix it now
Drier ceilings
A roof problem fixed early rarely spreads to the decking, the insulation or the ceilings.
Local knowledge
Roofers in Parsippany know the roof types and weather wear common in local homes.
Straight answers
Ask your questions before you agree to anything.
Common questions about ice dam removal
How are ice dams removed?
Low-pressure steam is the standard way to remove ice dams. It melts the ice gently and leaves the roofing intact. Hammers, picks and salt do more harm than good.
How do I handle an ice dam leak inside?
First, catch the water and protect furniture and floors. If water is near lights or outlets, shut off power to that area at the panel if it is safe to reach, and if a ceiling is bulging with water, a small hole away from light fixtures can drain it into a bucket before it collapses. Do not go on the roof yourself; call (862) 693-4349 instead.
Can I remove an ice dam myself?
An icy roof is one of the most dangerous places to work. From the ground, you can rake snow off the lower roof with a roof rake, staying clear of power lines and falling ice. Chipping causes more damage, so the ice is best left to a pro.
Why do ice dams form on my roof?
The cause is heat escaping into the attic, warming the roof and melting the snow on it. At the cold overhang the water refreezes, and the ice grows with each melt. Air sealing, insulation and good ventilation keep the roof deck cold and stop the cycle.
Do heat cables prevent ice dams?
They work as a backup in trouble areas, not a full cure. They treat the symptom, not the cause. Pairing cables with attic improvements gives the best results.
More questions? Call (862) 693-4349
Often needed together
Roof Ventilation
Fixing hot, damp or poorly vented attics with the right mix of intake and exhaust, based on what the attic actually needs.
Learn moreGutter Guard Installation
Micro-mesh, screen and hooded gutter guards fitted to clean, properly pitched gutters, mounted without lifting the shingles.
Learn moreRoof Leak Repair
Finding where water gets through the roof and sealing it at the source, before wet decking and insulation turn into rot.
Learn moreEmergency Roof Repair
Temporary protection and fast repairs when the roof is suddenly open, before water spreads through ceilings and walls.
Learn more
Looking for something else?
See all roofing servicesTalk to a Parsippany roofer about ice dam removal
Call (862) 693-4349 to talk to a roofer serving Parsippany, NJ.