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Ice Dams, assessing & removing the ice from the roof & rain gutter. Dovetail removes Ice Dams.



Ice dam prevention / heat cable Bozeman, MT
Ice dams formed along the edge of a snow-covered roof in Bozeman, MT, ready for removal to prevent damage.

Here in Bozeman, Montana as winter progresses many of us start to see a growing formation of ice or frozen snow on the edge of the roof and up the roof valleys (where two roof lines meet).

The months of February and March are often the most problematic time of the year due to the warmer days and cold nights, but ice dams can begin as early as November. The buildup of ice can become so tall that it blocks melting snow from running down the roof acting as a “dam” this ice dam will continue to grow until warmer weather occurs.

Water being pooled behind the dam can then find its way through the roof shingles and into the attic or living space.


Thanks to new materials that building codes in cold climates require, roofers install an ice and water barrier before nailing the roof shingles down. This barrier is required to extend 24 inches inside the exterior wall line, and in valleys.

The barrier comes in a roll 36″ wide, it has one side that’s sticky and adheres to the plywood or OSB roof sheathing. When the shingles are laid over the barrier and nailed, the barrier acts as a gasket around each nail.

Theoretically, if an ice dam forms and does not exceed the height of the ice barrier you shouldn’t have any roof leaks. Often the ice dam continues its expansion up the roof beyond the ice barrier and then leaks into the roof.


Should we remove the ice dams?

Here at Dovetail, before you decide to have us remove the ice dams from the roof or frozen rain gutters, we will ask a few questions.


How long have you owned the home, does the ice dam form every year?

  • If the ice dams have leaked in the past, we recommend removing them as soon as possible

  • If the roof hasn't leaked in past winters and no changes have been made to the roof or building, then odds are in your favor that you’ll be okay leaving the ice on the roof.

  • Heavy snowfall combined with sunny days, and cold nights can cause roof leaks, even on previously unaffected roofs.

  • These issues are most common in the last few months of winter due to warmer daytime temperatures.


When was the roof installed, and did the roofer include the necessary ice and water barrier?

  • This has been a building code requirement for many years, but it is sometimes overlooked. Without the barrier, ice dams can frequently lead to leaks inside your home and should be removed.


Do you have any heat cable installed on the roof or in the rain gutters? Is it turned on & working?

  • If you have heat cable installed and it's been plugged in, check for melted paths around the cable to see if it's working.


Are you seeing any drips coming through the soffits?

  • If ice or water is leaking through the soffit, it suggests that ice dams have developed and are causing a leak. It's time to remove the ice dams immediately.


Have you checked the attic to see if you have any water seeping in. Often, the insulation will get saturated before finding its way through the ceiling.

  • Ice can sometimes form due to condensation in the attic resulting from inadequate ventilation. It can also indicate a leak caused by an ice dam.


Is water dripping over the frozen rain gutter system onto your sidewalk or steps?

often, we get calls to get the raingutter and edge of the roof steamed free of ice to prevent icy dangerous sidewalks


What steps are involved in removing ice dams from my roof?

  • First thing is to get the snow off the roof where it's covering the ice. If you can remove the snow yourself it will save time when we arrive with our steamer, reducing the cost of removal.

  • Safe removal of the ice dams requires specialized steamers like the "Artic Steamer"


Can I remove the ice dams myself?

  • Without specialized steamers, you'll have to repeatedly apply ice melt and chip away with a hammer. Eventually, you'll be able to carve channels in the ice and start removing it. However, this method has several drawbacks, such as working on a slippery roof, the risk of accidentally damaging the roof or gutter while chipping, and spending extended periods on a ladder and roof in freezing temperatures.


What is the safest way to remove ice dams?

  • Professionals use a high temperature low pressure steamer like the Arctic Steamer manufactured in the USA.

  • Dovetail will arrive at your home with our equipment, expose the roof ice and then begin the ice dam removal using our steamers.

  • You will need to have a working water spigot for us to attach our hoses to the steamer. You should expect melted snow, ice and the converted steam to produce water that will drain to the ground.

  • Be certain the contractor you hire is not using a standard hot water pressure washer, if the nozzle has a trigger, it's a standard pressure washer and without very cautious use it will cut and carve into the roof shingles.

  • Here at Dovetail Raingutter in Bozeman, Montana we use the top-of-the-line Arctic Steamer Ice dam removal system.



A video of an ice dam steamer, showing that it's safe to use on your roof.

How much does ice dam removal cost?

  • Cost to remove the ice dams varies from roof to roof, precise estimates of time are very difficult to predict. How much ice, how hard is the ice, access to the roof, current temperature, how much snow needs to be moved are just a few of the variables that will affect the required time and cost. Rarely will the process take less than two hours.

  • Most reputable companies charge $350 to $450 per hour for ice dam removal and provide an estimated range of time needed, rather than a fixed estimate, due to many variables.


DOVETAIL RAIN GUTTER REMOVES ICE DAMS AND THAWS FROZEN RAIN GUTTERS

Gallatin Valley, Park County, Bozeman, Belgrade Montana and surrounding area.


For more information or to schedule ICE DAM REMOVAL call us 406-585-2979



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