Ice Dam Removal
in Chicagoland

Lake-Effect Snow: Moisture off Lake Michigan creates heavy, wet snow that packs onto roofs. Unlike the dry powder snow out west, our snow is dense and insulates the roof surface, trapping heat underneath.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Chicago winters aren't consistently cold. We bounce between 15°F and 40°F constantly from December through March. Every warm spell melts snow on the roof. Every cold snap refreezes it at the eaves. That's the ice dam cycle on repeat.

Older Housing Stock: Homes built in Tinley Park, Mokena, Palos Heights, and Homer Glen before 1980 often have R-11 or R-19 attic insulation. Current code calls for R-49. That difference means massive heat loss through the roof deck.

Complex Rooflines: The split-levels and raised ranches common in Orland Park, Frankfort, and New Lenox have valleys, dormers, and varying roof pitches that trap snow and create multiple dam formation points.

Step 1: Emergency Assessment

When you call, we ask if water is actively leaking into your home. Active leaks get same-day emergency response. We'll cut drainage channels through the ice dam to stop the immediate damage while we schedule full removal.

Step 2: Steam Equipment Setup

We use commercial-grade steam units that heat water to 290°F and deliver low-pressure steam through specialized wands. Our equipment includes Steel Eagle and Steamaway units designed specifically for ice dam work. We never use pressure washers, which damage shingles.

Step 3: Systematic Ice Removal

Starting at the gutter line, we work methodically up the roof, melting ice in sections. The steam cuts through ice without touching shingles, underlayment, or flashing. A typical residential ice dam in Tinley Park or Orland Park takes 2-4 hours depending on ice thickness and roof access.

Step 4: Gutter and Downspout Clearing

Ice dams usually mean frozen gutters too. We steam gutters clear and ensure downspouts drain freely. Clogged gutters contribute to future dam formation.

Step 5: Snow Load Removal

After clearing the dam, we remove the snow feeding it. We leave 1-2 inches to protect shingles from direct steam contact and foot traffic. Without the snow-melt-refreeze cycle, no new dam forms until the next snowfall.

Step 6: Damage Documentation

We photograph all visible damage for your insurance claim. Ice dam damage is typically covered under homeowners insurance, and our documentation helps support your claim.

Attic Insulation Upgrade: Bring insulation to R-49 minimum. For most homes in Frankfort, Mokena, and Homer Glen, this means adding 8-12 inches of blown cellulose or fiberglass over existing insulation. Cost: $1,500-3,000 for an average attic.

Air Sealing: Before adding insulation, seal gaps around recessed lights (or replace with IC-rated LED fixtures), bathroom exhaust fans, plumbing stacks, and attic access hatches. Air leaks cause as much heat loss as thin insulation. Cost: $300-800 for professional sealing.

Ventilation Balancing: Your attic needs soffit intake vents and ridge or gable exhaust vents working together. Many homes have blocked soffit vents (insulation pushed against them) or inadequate ridge vent. Proper ventilation keeps attic temperatures close to outdoor temperatures. Cost: $400-1,200 depending on current setup.

Heat Cable (Last Resort): Electric heat cables zigzagging along eaves can melt ice before dams form. They work, but they cost $100-200/month to run all winter and don't address the underlying insulation problem. We only recommend them where insulation improvements aren't physically possible.

Cook County: Tinley Park, Orland Park, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park, Homer Glen, Mokena, Frankfort, Matteson, Olympia Fields, Flossmoor, Homewood, Oak Forest, Midlothian, Blue Island, Evergreen Park, Chicago (Beverly, Mount Greenwood, Morgan Park)

Will County: Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox, Lockport, Joliet, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville

DuPage County: Naperville, Downers Grove, Westmont, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Woodridge, Lisle