How Much Does Ice Dam Removal Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $650 - $2,000
Removing an ice dam from your roof will cost you $1,200 on average, but could run up to $4,000 depending on your roof's size and removal method.
You can expect ice dam removal to cost $1,200 on average, although it can range between $400 and $4,000. Sledding and snowball fights are fun, but you know that ice dams are just around the corner if you've entered the snowy season. It’s best to plan for ice dam removal costs since they aren’t completely preventable.
- Average
- $1,200
- Low end
- $400
- high end
- $4,000
Ice Dam Removal Cost Breakdown
Are you ready to tackle the ice dam on your roof? Here are the main cost factors to keep in mind.
Method
There are several professional ice dam removal methods out there, but arguably, the most efficient method uses steam. However, depending on the severity and size of the ice dam, other methods like chipping, salt, or tablets may work for you.
| Ice Dam Removal Method | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Steam | $800–$2,100 |
| Chipping | $800–$1,500 |
| Salt and Tablets | $200–$300 |
| Pressure Washer | $400–$2,000 |
Steam
Steam is an effective way to take care of your ice dam without the potential of accidentally damaging your roof. This costs $400 to $700 per hour and takes two to three hours, bringing the average total to $800 to $2,100.
Chipping
To chip away the ice dam, you can use ice picks, chisels, hammers, and mallets. You can expect to spend $200 to $300 per hour for this service, and it can take four to five hours to finish for an average of $800 to $1,500.
Chipping can be dangerous because workers have to be on ladders. Also, it’s very easy to accidentally damage your roof during the chipping process. As the snow melts, water can seep into the cracks, expand as they freeze, and lead to leaks. Plus, you’ll need to pay to repair any broken roof shingles, which costs $350 per shingle.
Salt and Melt Tablets
This ice dam removal method involves a type of salt called calcium chloride in its pure form or melt tablets. This method costs $100 to $150 per hour and takes two hours to apply.
You can get roof melt tablets, which are usually around 95% calcium chloride for something pre-packaged and easy to use. Or, you can put calcium chloride in tube socks or pantyhose, tie them off, and lay them on the edge of the roof. However, climbing a ladder in snowy or icy conditions can be extremely dangerous and is not advisable. It’s best to let a pro do this for you. Check your roof’s warranty to ensure that applying chemicals or salt doesn’t void the warranty.
Power Washer
Pros can use heated water power washers to blast away your ice dam. This costs $200 to $400 per hour and takes two to five hours for around $400 to $2,000. Before you hire someone to use this method, first check your roof’s warranty.
Size
While roof size is important, keep in mind that removal time and effort isn’t determined by square footage.
| House Size (Square Feet) | Price Range for Ice Dam Removal |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $400–$700 |
| 1,500 | $600–$1,400 |
| 1,500+ | $2,000–$4,000 |
Labor
For the salt or table method, materials usually range between $20 and $60, depending on the size of your roof. Your labor costs are $150 to $700 per hour and most projects take two to five hours to complete. Note that many companies require a two-hour minimum and costs can increase for urgent appointments in the middle of the busy season.
Prep
During the prep phase, the pro will remove all of the snow that’s covering your ice dams. This is factored into the cost of the ice dam removal. Usually, you’ll have to pay someone separately to remove the snow covering the rest of your roof.
Ice Dam Removal Ongoing Expenses
Once you take care of your ice dam, here are some additional costs to keep in mind.
Maintenance
While you may not be able to completely prevent ice dams, you can get regular snow removal from your roof as preventative maintenance for around $250 to $500.
Consider investing in regular gutter cleaning to keep your roof in tip-top shape. Melted snowfall can back up in your gutters, turn into ice when temperatures drop below freezing, and potentially lead to ice dams. To prevent this, plan for gutter cleaning costs, which average $160.
Roof Inspection
Another important thing you should budget for is the cost of a roof inspection, which runs $230 on average. An inspection can help you discover any areas of concern like damaged shingles, water damage, holes, and more. These issues should be fixed before the harsh winter weather arrives.
DIY Ice Dam Removal vs. Hiring a Pro
The potential for serious harm or injury is not something you should risk, so only experienced roofers should remove ice dams. You can use an ice rake to clear snow off the roof before the pro arrives. When you’re ready to hire a snow removal company near you, check that they’re insured for ice dam removal.
Cost of Common Ice Dam Removal Add-Ons
Here are some common add-ons to ice dam removal.
Gutter Ice Removal
Take care of icy gutters as soon as you can to prevent other problems down the road. As mentioned above, if your gutter is clogged with ice, melting snow can’t drain properly off your roof and can result in ice dams. Secondly, the excess water can leak into your home and cause water damage.
Call in a pro to help you by melting ice in your gutters. This service costs about $100 to $400 per hour. Your pro may use a snow rake, hot water, salt, or tablets.
Ridge Vent Installation
If your roof doesn’t have a ridge vent, installing one may help prevent ice dams and costs around $300 to $650.
After installation, make sure to conduct regular roof maintenance, including cleaning the ridge vent filter. And keep in mind that it will block airflow if the vent openings are covered in snow or ice. Because of this, vents are good for increasing ventilation but don’t always help prevent ice dams.
Heat Cables
You can install heat cables on your roof to help melt ice dams without the need to call in a pro. This costs $5 per linear foot and helps prevent water damage on your roof. However, they can increase your electric bill significantly and don’t prevent ice dams from forming.
Heated Gutters
Heated gutters cost $900 on average and help ensure your gutters stay ice-free during the frigid months. In addition to the installation cost, know that heated gutters will increase your electric bill by about $40 to $70 per month. Just like with heat cables on your roof, these don’t prevent ice dams but help you manage them by melting the snow and ice.
Roof Repair
In the worst-case scenario, a poor ice dam removal job could lead to roof damage. If the damage is extensive, a full roof replacement costs $5,900 to $12,800.
Whatever the cause, below are some common roof repair costs that you might incur due to damage from ice dams.
| Roof Repairs | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Gutter repair | $180–$560 |
| Single shingle repair | $350 |
| Leak repair | $360–$1,550 |
| Water damage | $800–$7,000 |
Tips to Reduce the Cost of Ice Dam Removal
Follow these guidelines for ice dam removal budgeting:
Snow removal contract: Signing a contract for the season will help you save money in the long run, and you’ll have guaranteed help on snowy days.
Get multiple quotes: By getting quotes from at least three reputable companies, you can pinpoint the one that’s offering the best deal without sacrificing quality.
Book early: If your home is prone to ice dams, schedule a service ahead of a major snow event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ice dam removal is costly, so naturally, you’re wondering if it’s even worth it. The short answer is yes, absolutely. If you leave an ice dam as is and don’t take care of it, you’re looking at potentially dangerous situations and high-cost repairs—like roof collapse, leaks, mold problems, gutter damage, and more. Removing ice dams is essential to keeping your home and your family safe in the snowy season.
You should check with your insurance provider, but generally, ice dam removal is not covered by insurance. However, damage from ice dams may be covered by your policy, including roof collapses. In the case of leaks, your belongings may or may not be covered.
If you can’t find specific information on ice dam removal in your policy, give the insurance company a call and find out.
Rather than shoveling your roof, always use a roof rake. Don’t climb your snowy roof in any circumstance. If you decide to consistently use a roof rake, you can help prevent snow buildup, but you cannot necessarily prevent ice dams from forming. However, keeping your roof clear of snow is a key part of maintaining your roof and avoiding issues like leaks and roof collapse.