Stop the leak. Then stop it from happening again.
Ice dams aren't just a snow problem, they're a ventilation problem. We safely remove the dam and the leak it's causing now, then fix the underlying attic ventilation so you're not paying to chip ice off your roof every winter.
Tell us what's happening up there.
Active leak or a recurring problem, tell us which and a Buckshot team member responds fast. For an active interior leak we move same-day; for prevention we inspect, find the ventilation cause, and lay out the fix. We respond within 2 hours, and the storm line is answered 24/7.
Got it. We'll be in touch.
Thanks, there. We received your request and respond within 2 hours. For an active leak, call our 24/7 line so we can move now.
It starts in your attic, not on your roof.
An ice dam looks like a roof problem, but it's driven by heat escaping into the attic. Understanding the cycle is why our fix lasts and a quick ice-chipping does not.
Attic heat escapes
Warm air from the house leaks into a poorly ventilated attic and heats the underside of the roof.
Snow melts mid-roof
That heat melts the snow on the warm upper roof, and the meltwater runs down toward the eaves.
It refreezes at the edge
At the cold overhang the water refreezes into a ridge of ice, the dam, that grows with each freeze-thaw.
Water backs up under shingles
Trapped behind the dam, water backs up under the shingles and finds its way into the ceiling and walls.
A dam left alone gets expensive, fast.
The ice itself isn't the real threat, it's the water it forces under your roof. Left unaddressed, an ice dam can cause damage well beyond the roofline.
Roof & decking damage
Water under the shingles rots the decking and can damage rafters, leading to a far bigger repair than the original leak.
Interior & ceiling damage
Stained ceilings, peeling paint, soaked insulation, and damaged drywall, the visible signs that water already got in.
Mold & lingering moisture
Trapped moisture in walls and insulation can lead to mold and ongoing air-quality problems long after the ice is gone.
Chipping ice every winter isn't a solution.
Plenty of companies will keep coming back to knock the ice off, year after year, for a fee each time. We'd rather fix why it forms. Here's the difference.
Just removing the ice
Clearing the dam stops today's leak, but if nothing else changes, the same conditions rebuild it within weeks.
- Treats the symptom, not the cause
- Comes back the next cold snap
- A recurring bill every winter
- Risk of roof damage from improper removal
Remove it, then fix the cause
We safely clear the dam and the leak, then address the attic ventilation and insulation that let it form in the first place.
- Safe removal that protects the roof
- Diagnose the ventilation & insulation gaps
- Correct airflow so the roof stays cold
- Add ice & water shield during any roof work
Keep the roof cold, keep the dams away.
- Attic ventilation. Balanced ridge and soffit airflow keeps the roof deck cold so snow doesn't melt unevenly.
- Insulation & air sealing. Stopping warm household air from leaking into the attic removes the heat that starts the cycle.
- Ice & water shield. On any roof work, a waterproof membrane at the eaves protects against backed-up water.
- Proper flashing & details. Tightening the vulnerable points so meltwater has nowhere to sneak in.
Water coming in? Call now, don't wait for spring.
An active ice-dam leak does more damage every hour it continues. Our emergency line is answered around the clock, and we move fast to stop the water and protect your home. Please don't climb on an icy roof yourself, let us handle it safely.
From the call to a roof that stays clear.
Whether it's an emergency or a recurring headache, the path is the same: stop the immediate problem, then solve the cause.
Fast response
Call or submit the form. For an active leak we move same-day; the line is answered 24/7.
Safe removal
We clear the dam and stop the leak without damaging the roof, no reckless chipping or hacking.
Find the cause
We inspect the attic ventilation and insulation to pinpoint why the dam formed.
Fix it for good
We correct ventilation, sealing, and waterproofing so the dams stop coming back.
4.9 stars across 80 verified reviews.
They found the actual source of my leak when another company just kept patching the wrong spot. Professional and honest.
Great job explaining everything and working along with us through the whole process. Highly recommend.
The whole crew was professional, the work was excellent, and they cleaned up so well you'd never know they were there.
Common ice dam questions.
Q.01What actually causes ice dams?+
Q.02Should I just knock the ice off myself?+
Q.03Will the ice dam come back next winter?+
Q.04Is ice dam damage covered by insurance?+
Q.05How do you prevent them long-term?+
Q.06Do you serve my area?+
Related services.
End the every-winter ice dam cycle.
Whether you've got water coming in right now or you're tired of the same problem every year, we'll stop it safely and fix the cause. GAF Master Elite, family-owned since 1979, we respond within 2 hours and answer the storm line 24/7.
Ice dam removal and prevention outcomes depend on roof design, attic conditions, insulation, weather, and the specific home; results and insurance coverage vary. Please do not attempt removal from an icy roof yourself. We are not Iowa public adjusters, nor do we offer public adjusting services. Iowa Code §522C. WI Lic. DC-080900045 · GAF Master Elite Certified · Family-Owned Since 1979.