438-476-8876

Ice Dam Removal in Montreal

Ice Dam Removal
Photo: Matthis Volquardsen / Pexels

Ice Dam Removal in Montreal

An ice dam is a ridge of ice along the edge of the roof that traps meltwater behind it. The water backs up under the shingles and finds its way into soffits, walls and ceilings, which is why so many Montreal winter leaks appear on a sunny day after a storm. Ice dam removal in Montreal has to be done carefully: the ice is bonded to the roof, and breaking it off takes the shingles with it. Roof Snow Bros removes ice dams with low-pressure steam, 24/7 during storms.

Our Process

  1. Inspection: we check the ice dam’s length and thickness, gutters, downspouts and any interior leak points.
  2. Clear the snow above: the snow feeding the dam is removed first so the problem does not rebuild overnight.
  3. Steam a channel: we cut drainage channels through the ice so trapped water drains right away.
  4. Melt the dam: low-pressure steam releases the ice from shingles, gutters and downspouts without chipping.
  5. Final check: gutters and downspouts are cleared and we point out anything that may need a roofer’s attention.

Where We Remove Ice

  • Eaves and overhangs on sloped roofs
  • Gutters, downspouts and heating cables that have frozen over
  • Roof valleys and around skylights and chimneys
  • Flat roof drains and scuppers blocked by ice

Signs You Have an Ice Dam

  • A thick ridge of ice along the roof edge, often with heavy icicles
  • Water stains or peeling paint on ceilings or upper walls near exterior walls
  • Wet or frozen insulation in the attic along the eaves
  • Gutters pulling away from the fascia under the weight of ice
  • Ice forming on the siding or behind the gutters

Ice dams tend to grow after a sunny day following a storm, and again whenever a cold snap follows a thaw. Removing the snow above the eaves before those swings is the best prevention; once the ice is in place, steam is the safe way to remove it.

Why Choose Roof Snow Bros?

We never use hammers, axes or salt on a roof. Steam costs more time but leaves your shingles, membrane and gutters intact. Our crews are insured, work in pairs on harnesses and usually reach you the same day during a storm. Ice dams are common on older homes in Montreal West, Pointe-Claire, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue and across the West Island. To prevent them, pair this with roof snow raking. Call 438-476-8876 or request a free quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most steam ice dam removals in Montreal cost $400 to $900, and more for long runs of thick ice or two-storey eaves. We quote based on the length and thickness of the ice and how we can reach it.
Hammers, picks and axes crack shingles, cut membranes and bend gutters, and the damage often shows up as a leak months later. Low-pressure steam melts the ice off the roof covering instead of breaking it off, so the shingles stay intact.
We advise against it. Salt and chemical melts corrode gutters, flashing and fasteners, stain siding and kill plants below, and they rarely melt a thick dam anyway. Steam removes the ice without chemicals.
Put containers under the drips, move valuables away and call us at 438-476-8876; during storms we answer 24/7 and usually arrive the same day. We will open a drainage channel through the ice first so trapped water can escape, then remove the rest of the dam.
Keep the lower edge of the roof clear with regular [roof snow raking](/services/roof-snow-raking/) or a seasonal contract, and keep gutters and downspouts clear before winter. Recurring ice dams usually point to heat escaping into the attic, which is worth having an insulation or roofing contractor inspect.

Ice Dam Removal in Nearby Communities

Need Roof Snow Removal in Montreal?

Contact Roof Snow Bros today for a free quote.

Call Now — 438-476-8876 Get a Free Quote