Are you dealing with a pesky roof leak caused by ice dams and not sure how to get it fixed? Don’t worry – many homeowners have experienced this same situation.

Ice dams occur when snow and ice accumulate at the edge of the roof, causing water to back up under shingles and leak into your attic or living space.
Fortunately, there are some simple methods for repairing a leak from an ice dam, allowing you to take care of the problem before any further damage is done to your home.
In this blog post on how to fix roof leak from ice dam, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about detecting a roof leak caused by an ice dam, trouble-shooting other possible sources of leakage in your home’s structure, and how to properly repair your damaged roof without any costly surprises down the line. Let’s get started!
What is Ice Dam?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of your roof, blocking water from draining off and causing it to back up underneath the shingles.
Ice dams happen when warm air inside your home rises through the roof and melts snow on the upper part of your roof, while cold outside temperatures cause snow lower down on the roof to freeze.
This causes the melted snow and ice to accumulate on the edge of your roof, preventing more water from draining off the roof and leading to potential leaks in your attic or living space.
How Do You Know If an Ice Dam is Causing Leak?
If you’ve noticed a leak in your home, the first step is to determine if it’s coming from an ice dam. To do this, you’ll want to start by inspecting your roof for any visible signs of an ice dam. Look for a large accumulation of snow and ice at the edge of the roof and check for any water stains in your attic or living space that may indicate a leak.

If you’re still unsure, you can use a moisture meter to test for any wet spots in the roof or ceiling that could signal an ice dam-related leak. If your readings come back as higher than normal, then it’s likely that an ice dam is the source of your roof leak.
Necessary Materials
Given below is a list of materials you’ll need for repairing your roof leak caused by an ice dam:
• Roofing Felt
Roofing felt is a waterproof material designed to prevent water from entering your home.
• Ice and Water Shield
A self-adhesive membrane is used to protect your roof from water damage caused by ice dams.
• Plastic Tarp
A plastic tarp will help keep the area dry while you repair the leak.
• Hammer and Nails
A hammer and nails are needed to fasten the roofing materials in place.
• Ladder
The ladder is needed for accessing and repairing the area safely.
11 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Fix Roof Leak From Ice Dam
Step 1: Remove the Snow.

Start by removing the snow from your roof using a roof rake or plastic shovel. It’s important to clear away as much of the snow and ice as possible, as this will help prevent further water damage to your home.
If the snow and ice are too thick to remove, you might need to call a professional for assistance. Otherwise, you can remove the snow yourself with a roof rake.
Step 2: Find and Seal Leaks.
Once the snow has been cleared away, you’ll want to inspect the area for any signs of leakage. This could be anything from water stains on the ceiling to damp patches on the roof itself.
If you find any evidence of a leak, make sure to seal it with silicone caulk or a similar waterproof material. Burying any exposed wires with electrical tape is also a good way to help prevent further water damage. It may also be necessary to replace any damaged shingles or tiles in the area.
Step 3: Apply Roofing Felt and Ice and Water Shield.
Once the leak has been sealed, you’ll want to apply roofing felt and ice and water shield over the affected area. The roofing felt will help protect the area from water damage, while the ice and water shield will act as a barrier to prevent any further water from entering your home.
Be sure to overlap the felt and water shield slightly, as this will help create a more effective seal against moisture. If possible, you should also add a layer of plastic tarp over the area to help keep it dry while you work.
Step 4: Hammer Nails into Place
Once the area is free of ice, you’ll need to hammer nails into place to secure the roofing materials. Make sure that the nails are firmly embedded in the roofing material, and apply additional caulk or sealant if necessary. If necessary, you can also add additional shingles or tiles in the area to better protect it from moisture.

Step 5: Check for Leaks
Once all of the nails are in place, it’s important to check for any leaks in the area. To do this, you can either use a hose or spray bottle filled with water and inspect the area for any signs of leakage.
Be sure to check the walls, windows, and doors as well for any unwanted moisture. It’s also helpful to have a professional inspect the area as well, just to be safe.
Step 6: Ensure Proper Ventilation
It’s also important to make sure that your attic is properly ventilated. This will help prevent any moisture from forming and causing further water damage.
To do this, you can install additional baffles or soffit vents in the area. By the way, it’s also a good idea to install a roof vent fan in the attic as well. This will help improve air circulation and reduce the risk of further water damage.
Step 7: Check for Any Additional Damage
Once your roof is repaired and sealed, it’s important to check the area for any additional damage. This could include any loose shingles, missing tiles, or cracked gutters.
If you find any of these issues, make sure to repair them as soon as possible to prevent further water damage. But, if the damage is too severe, it’s best to call a professional.
Step 8: Clean Up The Area
Finally, you’ll want to clean up the area by disposing of any debris left behind from the repairs.

This includes any old shingles or tiles that were removed during the process, as well as any metal flashing used in the repair. Be sure to also check for any nails that may have been missed during the process, and remove them immediately.
Step 9: Monitor Your Work Area Regularly
To ensure that your roof remains free of any leaks or damage, it’s important to monitor the area regularly.
Be sure to keep an eye out for any signs of a leak, such as water stains on the ceiling or damp spots on the roof. However, if you do notice any issues, it’s best to call a professional right away.
Step 10: Repeat the Process as Necessary.
Finally, you’ll want to repeat the entire process as needed. This includes inspecting the area for any leaks, applying roofing felt and ice and water shield, using hot water and salt to remove any remaining ice, hammering nails into place, checking for leaks, ensuring proper ventilation, and cleaning up the area.
Doing this regularly will help ensure that your roof remains in good condition and doesn’t suffer any further damage from an ice dam.
Step 11. Permanent solution.
The most permanent solution is to install a heating cable or system on your roof. This will help keep the surface temperature of your roof above freezing and prevent ice dams from forming in the future.
Additionally, you can also insulate your attic and seal any air leaks, as this will help keep warm air out of your home during the winter months and reduce the chances of ice dams forming.
With proper maintenance and care, you’ll be able to enjoy a leak-free home year-round.

Following these steps on how to fix roof leak from ice dam will help you fix roof leaks from ice dams and keep your home well-protected for years to come. Doing regular maintenance on your roof will ensure that any potential damage is caught early, preventing costly repairs down the road.
So if you’re looking to repair a roof leak from an ice dam, make sure to follow these steps and take all necessary precautions. With proper care and maintenance, your roof will remain in great condition and look its best!
Do You Need to Use Professionals?
If you’re unable to repair the leak yourself, it’s best to contact a professional. A qualified roofing contractor will be able to inspect the area and make any necessary repairs quickly and safely.
They can also help with other preventative measures such as installing insulation or baffles in your attic, which can help keep ice dams from forming in the future.
No matter what type of roof repair you need, it’s important to hire experienced professionals who will do the job correctly.
This could mean the difference between a safe, secure home and one that is vulnerable to further damage due to an improperly repaired roof leak from an ice dam. So if you need help with repairing any leaks caused by an ice dam, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified roofing contractor. They can help ensure that your home is safe and secure for years to come!
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of repairing a roof leak from an ice dam can vary depending on the extent of the damage and your location. Generally speaking, however, you can expect to pay anywhere between $500 and $2,000 for professional repairs.
This will include labor costs as well any materials required for the job. Additionally, if you need to install any preventative measures such as insulation or baffles in your attic, this could further increase the overall cost of the repairs. So it’s important to consider all factors before deciding which option is best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How Do I Know When an Ice Dam is Forming?

A: Generally, you’ll be able to tell when an ice dam is forming when you see a large buildup of snow or ice on the roof. Additionally, you may also be able to spot signs of a leak, such as water stains on the ceiling or damp spots on the roof.
Q: What Can I Do to Prevent Ice Dams From Forming?
A: To prevent ice dams from forming, it’s important to ensure that your home is properly insulated and ventilated. Additionally, installing a heating cable or system on your roof will help keep the surface temperature of your roof above freezing and further reduce the chances of an ice dam forming in the future.
Q: What Should I Do if the Leak is Not Covered by My Insurance?
A: If you have a roof leak that is not covered by your insurance, it’s important to act quickly and contact a qualified contractor. A professional will be able to inspect the area and make any necessary repairs quickly and safely.
Additionally, they can also help with other preventative measures such as installing insulation or baffles in your attic, which can help keep ice dams from forming in the future.
This could mean the difference between a safe, secure home and one that is vulnerable to further damage due to an improperly repaired roof leak. So don’t hesitate to get in touch with a specialist right away!
Q: How Can I Remove Ice From the Roof?
A: In most cases, it’s best to leave ice removal to the professionals. Attempting to remove large amounts of ice or snow on your own can be dangerous and should not be attempted without the help of a qualified contractor.
If you need help with removing ice from your roof, contact a roofing specialist who will be able to safely and effectively remove any buildup from your roof.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading this article on how to fix roof leak from ice dam. No one wants to deal with a roof leak, and it can be especially frustrating when it’s caused by an ice dam. While there are preventive measures you can take to prevent ice dams from forming each year, like installing ice and water shield underneath your shingles, that isn’t always enough.
To repair a roof leak caused by an ice dam, start by carefully removing the snow and then use a garden hose on its lowest setting to melt the built-up ice.
Once all the snow and ice have been removed, check for any damage in the area such as cracked or missing shingles. If there is damage, have a professional contractor come in and repair it. Finally, apply sealants such as caulking or flashing to the edges of your roof so they’re better protected against future leaks.
Having reliable protection will make sure you don’t incur further damage down the line. With these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to fixing your roof leak caused by an ice dam!