top of page
Asset 47_3x.png

Ice Dam Removal & Prevention Tips for Ontario Homeowners | Rain Safe Roofing

  • Rain Safe Roofing Inc.
  • Oct 23
  • 2 min read

Updated: Nov 21

Winter in Ontario can be beautiful until heavy snow and freezing temperatures start putting your roof to the test. One of the biggest problems homeowners face is ice dam formation, which can lead to leaks, damaged shingles, and expensive repairs. At Rain Safe Roofing, we specialize in ice dam removal and prevention to protect your home all winter long.


What Is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam is a thick ridge of ice that forms along the edge of your roof. While icicles might look charming, they signal trouble. When melting snow can’t properly drain, the trapped water seeps under your shingles, leading to water damage, stained ceilings, and weakened structures.


Ice dam buildup along the edge of a residential roof in Ontario, showing how trapped melting snow creates leaks and damage—used in Rain Safe Roofing’s ice dam removal and prevention services for homeowners in Mississauga, Etobicoke, Georgetown, Milton, and Oakville.

How Ice Dams Form

Ice dams occur when warm air from your home escapes through the attic and heats the roof surface. The snow melts, runs down toward the eaves, and refreezes when it hits the colder edge. Over time, the ice thickens and blocks proper drainage, forcing water back into your home.



Signs You Have an Ice Dam

  1. Ice buildup behind gutters

  2. Icicles hanging along your roofline

  3. Water or frost around windows and exterior walls

  4. Damp spots or leaks in ceilings after snowstorms


How to Prevent Ice Dams

The key to prevention is keeping your roof cold and properly insulated.

Insulate your attic to stop heat from escaping.

Seal air leaks around chimneys, light fixtures, and drywall gaps.

Ventilate your attic to let cold air circulate and reduce roof surface heat.

Clear snow using a roof rake before it builds up into heavy layers.


Each home is different, so it’s important to know your roof’s snow load capacity. If you notice more than a foot of snow or thick ice layers, call a professional roofing company like Rain Safe Roofing for safe removal.


What to Do If You Already Have an Ice Dam

Close-up of an ice dam forming along the roof edge and gutters, showing icicles and melting snow that can cause leaks and shingle damage for homeowners in Mississauga, Etobicoke, Georgetown, Milton, and Oakville; used to illustrate the importance of professional ice dam removal and winter roof protection.

Never try to chip or break ice off your roof with tools. This can cause serious shingle damage. Our team uses steam based ice removal systems that safely melt ice without harming your roof. We first remove loose snow, then carefully apply steam to clear ice buildup. Depending on severity, full removal can take two to four hours.


Why Professional Ice Dam Removal Matters

Attempting to remove ice yourself can be dangerous and costly. With Rain Safe Roofing, you get:

  1. Certified Ontario roofing professionals

  2. Specialized equipment for safe steam ice removal

  3. GAF certified roofing materials for repairs

  4. Full insurance coverage and WSIB compliance


Keep Your Roof Safe This Winter

Ice dams can be stressful, but prevention and routine maintenance make all the difference. Schedule a roof inspection before temperatures drop, and let Rain Safe Roofing help you stay protected this season.


Contact us now!


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page