What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice at a roof edge that traps snowmelt. Backed-up water can enter the home. Address both the ice and escaping heat: Minnesota’s energy agency recommends sealing attic air leaks and at least R-50 insulation where space allows.

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By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Updated 4 November 2026

What this means for your home project

For ice that is already causing indoor water damage, request a professional removal service using steamers; ask for that method in the written scope. Source: Minnesota Department of Commerce, read 2026-11-04.
If insulation is visible and reachable from the attic hatch, inspect it from that opening without entering the attic. Source: ENERGY STAR, read 2026-11-04.
Ask the contractor to list sealing attic-floor air leaks before adding insulation in the written prevention scope. Source: ENERGY STAR, read 2026-11-04.
Request insulation baffles, also called rafter vents, as a named item in the project estimate. Source: ENERGY STAR, read 2026-11-04.

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What causes ice dams?

For a snow-covered home, investigate attic heat loss even when the outdoor air never rises above freezing. “Due to inadequate air sealing, heat from the home's interior gets into the attic and melts the underside of the snow on the roof.” Source: Minnesota Department of Commerce, read 2026-11-04. “The melted snow water flows down the roof surface until reaching a cold spot, such as the eaves or soffit, where it forms a frozen dam.” Source: Minnesota Department of Commerce, read 2026-11-04.

Is it safe to remove an ice dam myself?

Leave removal to a professional when ice is causing indoor leaks, rather than attempting the job from a ladder or roof. “If you have an ice dam that is already causing water damage to your interior ceilings and walls, hire a professional ice dam removal service that uses steamers.” Source: Minnesota Department of Commerce, read 2026-11-04. “Do not remove ice with chippers, chemicals or heat.” Source: Minnesota Department of Commerce, read 2026-11-04. “These can damage shingles, gutters and other building components.” Source: Minnesota Department of Commerce, read 2026-11-04.

Will an ice dam damage my roof?

Yes—the consequences can extend indoors, so include ceiling and wall damage when describing the ice ridge at your eaves. “After several days of melting-freezing cycles, it's common for the melted water and ice to work up under the shingles until water enters the attic and eventually does damage to the ceilings, wall and contents.” Source: National Weather Service, read 2026-11-04.

What determines ice dam removal cost?

Ask the bidder to describe roof or ladder access for snow clearing around the ice dam; Minnesota identifies height when recommending professional help. “While you can try to do it yourself with a snow rake, it may be best to hire a professional snow remover, especially if it takes getting on the roof or using a ladder.” Source: Minnesota Department of Commerce, read 2026-11-04.

How can I prevent an ice dam?

Start with an assessment of escaping heat; for Minnesota homes, discuss the state agency’s R-50 recommendation alongside the air-sealing scope. “Because the primary cause of ice dams is warm air leaking from the attic, the best prevention is to seal leaks with caulking or expanding spray foam, with attic insulation installed to a minimum of R-50 as space allows.” Source: Minnesota Department of Commerce, read 2026-11-04. “Insulation levels are specified by R-Value, which is a measure of its ability to resist heat traveling through it.” Source: ENERGY STAR, read 2026-11-04. “The higher the R-Value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.” Source: ENERGY STAR, read 2026-11-04. “Contractors should seal air leaks in the attic floor before adding insulation.” Source: ENERGY STAR, read 2026-11-04. “Unless your old insulation is wet, moldy, smelly, or contains animal waste, contractors can just add new insulation on top.” Source: ENERGY STAR, read 2026-11-04. “It is usually not necessary to remove existing insulation.” Source: ENERGY STAR, read 2026-11-04.

Sources

Ice Dams: Helpful tips from the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Home Energy Guide — Minnesota Department of Commerce; published 2021-02-15; read 2026-11-04.
Well-Insulated and Sealed Attic — ENERGY STAR; read 2026-11-04.
Preventing Roof Ice Dams — National Weather Service; read 2026-11-04.