Ice Dam Removal

When Pittsburgh’s winter weather turns brutal, even the best-built roofs can face one of their biggest threats, ice dams. These walls of ice can cause serious damage long before you ever notice a leak. The house itself is often the primary source of heat transfer that impacts roof surface temperatures and ice dam formation. That’s why Prescott Roofing & Masonry, a name Pittsburghers have trusted since 1906, now offers a professional ice dam removal system.

Understanding the Ice Dam Problem

Ice dams form when heat from inside a home escapes into the attic, warming the underside of the roof and causing snow to melt. As the melted water runs down toward the gutters and eaves, where temperatures are colder, it refreezes, creating a solid dam of ice inside the gutter and extending up the roof slope. The sun can also contribute to roof surface temperature variations, which will influence ice dam formation. As water freezes at the roof’s gutter lines and eaves, the dam grows as more snow melts and refreezes, increasing the size of the ice dam over time This re-freezing at the roof’s edge causes ice buildup and blocks drainage. Cracks or holes in the roofing material can allow melting snow and ice to penetrate; backed-up water can get under the roofing material as well, leading to leaks.

Hidden under layers of snow, water begins to pool, seeping beneath shingles and into the roof deck. From there, it can find its way into your attic, insulation, drywall, or even electrical systems. It is important to prevent water from backing up and leaking into the home by addressing ice dam formation.

What starts as a few inches of ice can quickly become a major problem.

Ice dams can cause:

• Roof leaks, damage, and water stains on ceilings and walls

• Damaged insulation and reduced energy efficiency

• Rotting wood and hazardous mold growth

• Electrical and drywall damage

• Gutter detachment or collapse

• Dangerous fall hazards near entrances or walkways from ice formation due to water over-shooting frozen gutters

• Expensive repairs resulting from ice dam formation and water infiltration

Even a small ice dam can result in thousands of dollars in repairs; if that ice breaks free unexpectedly, it poses a serious safety and liability risk. Quick removal is essential to prevent damage to roofs and gutters.

The Old Way: Risky and Ineffective

For decades, homeowners and even some contractors tried to remove ice dams the hard way, with hammers, pry bars picks, axes, or pressure washers.

Unfortunately, those methods often do more harm than good. Pressure washers can strip away protective granules, loosen shingles, slates, tiles, and force water deeper into the roof system. Blunt tools can crack slates and tiles, damage shingles, and put holes in gutters- leading to long-term leaks once the weather warms.

Chemical ice-melt products can also make matters worse. They may temporarily melt the surface ice, but they create large volumes of liquid water that quickly refreeze once temperatures drop again, worsening the problem and creating slick surfaces. Using salt (sodium chloride) will also damage roofing materials and gutters, and is not a viable solution.

Simply put, amateur and do-it-yourself methods are dangerous, messy, and will create more damage!.

The Better Way to Ice Dam Removal

Prescott Roofing and Masonry now utilizes an ice dam removal steamer that is specifically engineered for use in sub-freezing conditions. This technology removes ice dams safely, efficiently, and without damaging your roof.

Unlike pressure washers that blast high-pressure cold water, the ice dam removal system uses low-pressure, high-temperature steam to gently melt the ice away from the roof surface and the gutter lines/eaves. The result is precise removal that protects your roofing materials and gutters, while restoring proper drainage through the gutters and downspouts

Key advantages of the our ice dam removal system:

• Safe for all roofing materials: asphalt shingles, slate, tile, and metal.

• Gentle steam: melts ice without physical impact or harsh force.

• No chemicals: environmentally safe, no residue or runoff issues.

• Works in extreme cold: engineered specifically for winter performance.

• Fast and controlled: eliminates ice dams without collateral damage.

The system gives Prescott Roofing and Masonry the ability to protect your home during the harshest months, preventing ice dam damage before it begins.

Why Professional Ice Dam Removal Matters

When you notice thick ice or icicles forming along your gutter lines/eaves, it’s tempting to try to fix the issue yourself. But climbing on a frozen roof or slippery ladder in winter conditions is dangerous, and using improper equipment can void warranties and cause roof damage.

Prescott Roofing’s certified roofing professionals are trained to diagnose, access, and safely remove ice dams using specialized gear and industry-approved methods. We also inspect the roof afterward to ensure there’s no residual damage or moisture trapped beneath shingles.

Homeowners across the Pittsburgh region, from Mt. Lebanon to Wexford, Imperial to Squirrel Hill, can count on our expertise to alleviate ice dam issues on their roofs safely and efficiently when winter strikes.

What to Expect During Ice Dam Removal Service:

Inspection & Assessment:

Our team begins by evaluating the extent of the ice buildup and identifying where water may be trapped beneath snow or shingles. We use drone imaging and safe access methods to assess conditions before starting.

Preparation: We protect your property and landscaping with Catch-All debris systems and ensure all safety measures are in place.

Ice Dam Removal Using Steam

Using the ice dam removal system, Prescott Roofing’s specialists direct controlled, low-pressure steam to melt the ice dam from the roof surface and gutters outward. The process restores normal water flow without damaging materials.

Final Cleanup & Review:

Once the ice is cleared, we inspect gutters, downspouts, and roof edges for any damage and to ensure all roof drainage components are working properly. We’ll provide photo documentation and explain any findings or recommendations for long-term prevention.

Prescott’s crews are known for leaving jobsites spotless, the only thing left behind is a clear, functional roof and drainage system.

Prevention for the Future

While this process removes existing ice dams safely, Prescott Roofing and Masonry also helps homeowners prevent future ones. Our team can evaluate attic insulation, ventilation, roof design, and drainage to identify contributing factors.

Permanent fixes such as improving insulation, ventilation, and gutter water flow are essential to stop recurring ice dams. Proper attic airflow and insulation keeps the roof deck at an even temperature, reducing melt-and-freeze cycles that cause ice dams. Heating cables in the gutters, downspouts and along roof eaves can be installed to keep the roof’s edge warm, maintain water flow to the gutters and downspouts, and prevent ice dams from forming. Make sure bathroom exhaust fans are vented outside to prevent heat and moisture buildup in the attic. Sealing and insulating exhaust ducts improves energy efficiency and prevents air leaks. Check for blocked soffits and clear them to improve attic ventilation. The use of a ridge vent promotes cold air circulation and proper airflow. If ridge vent is not practical, a power roof fan with thermostat and humidistat controls can be installed to remove air from the attic. Ensure that the attic has proper air intake and exhaust for optimum airflow. It is essential to install heat cables and other solutions before bad weather hits to maximize their effectiveness. Investing in proper insulation and ventilation pays off in the long run by reducing the risk of recurring ice dams. Methods to rid your roof of ice dams, such as these, are the most effective for removal and prevention.

Prescott Roofing and Masonry’s practical and experienced approach ensures that your roof isn’t just fixed, it’s improved.

Why Choose Prescott Roofing for Ice Dam Removal?

• Over 119 years of Pittsburgh experience- we know the weather, we know your home, and we understand the importance of safe, effective ice dam removal

• Certified, safety-trained crews — fully equipped for roof work in winter weather conditions

• Exclusive Arctic Steamer technology — no one else in the area uses a system this precise.

• Prescott Roofing is family-owned and operated since 1906 — five generations of integrity and craftsmanship.

• Comprehensive service — we don’t just remove ice; we protect your roof for the long term.

At Prescott Roofing, we believe in doing things the right way, safely, properly, and completely. That’s why we invested in the ice dam removal system: to bring Pittsburgh homeowners the safest, most gentle, most effective ice dam removal system available.

Built for Pittsburgh Winters

When the snow piles up and temperatures drop below freezing, your roof faces challenges few other climates experience. Prescott Roofing has weathered over a century of Western Pennsylvania winters, and we’ve built our reputation on protecting homes from extreme weather conditions.

From historic homes in Shadyside and Squirrel Hill to modern buildings in Fox Chapel and Cranberry, our ice dam removal service keeps roofs safe, dry, and functioning properly through every winter weather event.

Call the Experts Before the Thaw

If you see icicles forming along your roofline, notice water stains on your ceiling, or suspect trapped moisture under snow, don’t wait. The sooner ice dams are removed, the better your chances of preventing major water damage.

Prescott Roofing & Remodeling, Pittsburgh’s trusted solution for safe, professional ice dam removal.

Protect your home this winter with a team that’s been standing on Pittsburgh’s roofs since 1906.

Warning Signs of Ice Dam Formation and What To Do:

Spotting the early warning signs of ice dam formation can save you from costly repairs and protect your home throughout the winter. Ice dams often develop quietly, but there are clear indicators that every homeowner should watch for as the snow piles up and temperatures drop.

One of the first signs of an ice dam is the appearance of icicles hanging from your roof’s edge or gutters. While icicles may look picturesque, they often signal that snow melts on your roof and the water is refreezing at the colder roof edge, starting the process of ice dam formation. If you notice thick ridges of ice building up along the eaves, this is a strong indication that water from melting snow is unable to drain properly and is instead being trapped and refrozen.

Another red flag is water leaking into your home, especially around windows, ceilings, or exterior walls. This can happen when an ice dam forces water to back up under your shingles, leading to leaks, stains, and even damage to insulation and drywall. Uneven snow melt on your roof, where some areas are bare while others remain covered, can point to heat buildup in your attic space. This heat loss causes snow to melt in patches, increasing the risk of ice dam formation.

Gutters and downspouts should be checked for ice buildup. If water isn’t flowing freely and ice is blocking drainage, then an ice dam has already formed or is in the process of forming. In cold weather, these blockages can quickly lead to water pooling behind the dam, entering into your home and causing problems.

To prevent ice dam damage, it’s important to have the snow safely removed from your roof before it has a chance to melt and refreeze. Prescott Roofing and Masonry performs snow removal and ice dam remediation using our snow/ice removal system!

For long-term prevention, consider installing heat cables along your roof’s edge to keep the area warm and prevent snow from refreezing. Adding insulation to your attic space will help reduce heat loss and keep your roof at a more consistent temperature, minimizing the conditions that allow ice dams to form. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris so that melting snow can flow freely away from your home.

By staying alert to these warning signs and taking proactive steps to prevent ice dams, you can protect your roof, insulation, and interior spaces from water damage. If you suspect ice dam formation or notice significant ice buildup, don’t hesitate to call Prescott Roofing and Masonry. With our safe, professional approach, you can keep your home safe, dry, and comfortable all winter long.