Ice dams form fast here when warm humid air from the house hits cold roof edges during our snowy winters. Poor attic insulation lets heat escape and melt snow that refreezes at the eaves. We see this most on older homes in Phillips and Camden where the original roof deck lacks proper ventilation. Cheap crews often just chop at the ice and crack shingles or void the warranty on new underlayment.
We start every job with a roof inspection from the ground and attic to find the exact melt points. Steam wands at 250 degrees cut clean channels through the dam in under an hour per section. This method keeps water from backing up under the shingles on houses near the Mississippi Riverfront where wind drives snow hard against the roof edge. Hennepin County does not require a permit for removal alone but any shingle fixes do.
After the ice is gone we check for hidden leaks around vents and valleys. Many homes in the North Loop have ice dams that push water into the soffits because the gutters are clogged with leaf debris from nearby trees. We clear that out and add temporary heat tape where needed so the problem does not repeat during the next warm spell. Call 612-555-0199 right now if water is already dripping inside.
Common failure points include missing ridge vents on homes built before 1990 in Longfellow and Powderhorn. We fix those during the same visit if the owner wants it done while we are on the roof.
Ice Dam Removal Services We Offer
✓Emergency Ice Dam Removal Minneapolis
Same-day steam removal on active leaks before water reaches ceilings in Uptown or Downtown homes.
✓Ice Dam Removal on Commercial Roofs
Flat and low-slope work on small retail buildings near Target Field using heated panels that stay in place after we leave.
✓Ice Dam Prevention Heat Tape Install
Runs along eaves on homes in Southwest to keep melt water moving during the next cold snap.
✓Attic Insulation Check After Ice Dams
Finds heat leaks that caused the dam so the fix lasts past this winter on Northeast two-story houses.
Ice Dam Removal Cost in Minneapolis, MN
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Ice dam removal on one story home | $450–$750 | Lower cost when dam stays at the eaves and ladders reach everything. |
| Ice dam removal on two story home | $650–$1,100 | Higher when we need extra ladders or roof jacks for safety. |
| Add heat tape along 50 feet of eaves | $300–$450 | Price rises with thicker ice or if we have to work around existing vents. |
| Ice dam removal plus gutter cleanout | $550–$900 | Covers both services in one trip on homes with heavy leaf buildup. |
| Free estimate and inspection | Free | Call during business hours or use 24/7 line for active leaks. |
Ranges are typical for Minneapolis, MN and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
Ground and Attic Inspection
We walk the roof edge and check inside the attic for warm spots. Takes 20 to 30 minutes on most Minneapolis homes.
- 2
Steam Channel Cuts
Steam wand melts a path through the dam starting at the lowest point. One section usually clears in 45 to 60 minutes.
- 3
Debris and Gutter Clear
Remove loose ice chunks and any leaves blocking flow. Done from ladders so we stay off the ice.
- 4
Final Leak Check and Heat Tape
Test for wet spots and run heat tape where repeat dams are likely. Whole job wraps in 3 to 5 hours.
Pricing
Most jobs finish same day. Price depends on roof size and how many sections need steam.