Home / Residential Roofing / Ice Dam Removal

— Ice Dam Removal & Prevention · WI & IA

Ice dam removal in Wisconsin.

Buckshot provides safe ice dam removal across Wisconsin, with a 24/7 storm line for active leaks. Family-owned since 1979, the company offers a free on-site inspection and responds within 2 hours. Buckshot's own crews then fix the attic ventilation and insulation that cause ice dams.

✓Safe removal✓Root-cause fix✓24/7 emergency

BGC

Free ice dam quote

WI & IA · We respond in 2 hours

Schedule ice dam removal with a 2-hour response.

Buckshot moves same-day on an active ice dam leak and answers the storm line 24/7. For a recurring ice dam, Buckshot inspects the attic and lays out the ventilation or insulation fix.

✓Free inspection✓Safe removal✓24/7 line✓Since 1979

24/7Emergency Line2hrResponse Time$0Inspection Cost47yrsMidwest Winters

— How An Ice Dam Forms

SEC 01 / 07

Ice dams start with heat escaping into the attic.

An ice dam forms when attic heat melts roof snow from below and the meltwater refreezes at the cold eaves.

✓Attic heat escapes

Household heat leaks through attic bypasses into a poorly ventilated attic and warms the roof deck.

✓Snow melts mid-roof

Attic heat melts the snow on the warm upper roof, and the meltwater runs down toward the eaves.

✓Ice builds at the eaves

At the cold eave overhang, meltwater refreezes into the ice dam, which grows with each freeze-thaw cycle.

✓Water backs up under shingles

Trapped behind the ice dam, meltwater backs up under the shingles and leaks into ceilings and walls.

— Why You Can't Ignore It

SEC 02 / 07

An ice dam left alone gets expensive fast.

An ice dam causes damage through the meltwater it forces under the shingles. If that water has reached the decking or ceilings, Buckshot also offers ice dam damage repair.

✓Roof & decking damage

Ice dam meltwater rots the roof decking and can damage rafters, turning a small leak into a major repair.

✓Interior & ceiling damage

Ice dam leaks show up as stained ceilings, peeling paint, soaked insulation and damaged drywall below the eaves.

✓Mold & lingering moisture

Trapped moisture in walls and insulation can lead to mold and ongoing air-quality problems long after the ice is gone.

— Removal vs Root-Cause Fix

SEC 03 / 07

Ice dam removal vs a root-cause fix.

Ice dam removal stops today's leak, while a root-cause fix to attic ventilation and insulation helps keep the next dam from forming.

The quick patch

✓Removing the ice only

Clearing the ice dam stops today's leak, though the same attic heat can rebuild the dam within weeks.

Leaves attic heat loss in placeIce dams can return next cold snapRemoval may be needed each winterRoof damage risk from improper removal

The root-cause fix

✓Removal plus attic fixes

Buckshot clears the ice dam safely, then corrects the attic ventilation, air sealing and insulation that let the dam form.

Safe removal that protects shinglesAttic bypasses and R-value checkedRidge and soffit vents keep the deck coldIce & water shield added during roof work

— Lasting Prevention

SEC 04 / 07

Prevent ice dams by keeping the roof deck cold.

Attic ventilation. Balanced ridge and soffit ventilation keeps the roof deck cold so snow melts evenly.Insulation & air sealing. Air sealing at top plates and can lights, plus insulation to the recommended R-value, keeps heat out of the attic.Ice & water shield. During roof work, a waterproof membrane at the eaves blocks backed-up meltwater.Proper flashing & details. Sealed flashing at valleys, sidewalls and chimneys gives meltwater no path under the shingles.

— Leaking Right Now?

SEC 05 / 07

Emergency ice dam removal, answered 24/7.

An active ice dam leak does more damage every hour it continues, so Buckshot answers the storm line 24/7 and moves same-day to stop the water. Stay off the icy roof and let Buckshot's crew remove the ice safely.

— How We Handle It

SEC 06 / 07

How Buckshot handles ice dam removal.

Every ice dam job at Buckshot runs through four steps, from the first call to the attic fix.

Fast response

Call or submit the form, and Buckshot responds within 2 hours and moves same-day on an active leak.

Safe removal

Buckshot's crew clears the ice dam and stops the leak using safe removal that protects shingles and flashing.

Find the cause

Buckshot checks attic ventilation, insulation R-value and attic bypasses to pinpoint why the ice dam formed.

Fix the cause

Buckshot corrects attic ventilation, air sealing and eave waterproofing so ice dams stop coming back.

4.9 stars across 200+ Google reviews.

Read all Buckshot customer reviews →

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Joy I 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When the big storms came through the Madison-area in April 2026, I immediately started looking for a reputable roofer—who also understood the importance of weather-resistant materials that can withstand hail and wind. It didn’t take me long to find Brad from BCG. We had damage that needed to be repaired before the next round of storms came through later that day and Brad had a crew out within hours. Our neighbors also had damage, and when their roofing company didn’t show up, Brad and his crew also took on fixing their damage on the spot.

The contracting process was done over email and we were able to clearly understand all of the options available to us. On the day of install, the crew was efficient and fast with their work. But also, mistakes can happen. And what matters to us is not that there’s perfection (because that’s not realistic), but how a contractor deals with a mistake. As they were taking down the tarps when they were finished with the roof, one of our lights next to the garage broke. Brad helped find a replacement online and had it shipped directly to our house! Such great service!

All in all, we were very happy with Brad and the service we received from him and BCG. We’ve since recommended their services to several of our friends and neighbors who also had storm damage. While I hope we won’t have to do that again for a long time, we would work with BCG again in a heartbeat!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shelly Ziegler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am extremely pleased with the service Matt Walmer from Buckshot General Contracting (BGC) provided for me during the hailstorm damage in Madison in April. I had just switched insurance companies one year ago and was worried about how much they would cover. Matt assured me everything would be taken care of and had nothing to worry about. True to his word he immediately answered phone calls during off hours even when he was with daughter at volleyball and answering texts in seconds Matt met up with assessor and arrived 20 minutes early. During roof replacement he stopped in 3 times to check the progress and next day he came back to do a walk around to make sure the cleanup was to his standards. I have been so blessed to work with Matt at BGC as my contractor as everything went so smoothly. No problems with my insurance company and I was the first one on my block to get my roof done. I also was telling Matt about some of my neighbors having problems with their insurance and he was willing to look at their paperwork and giving them advice on how to deal with them. I can proudly say I announced to them how good Matt was and gave them his card. Thank you so much Matt for your excellent service and being a great representative for Buckshot General Contracting. These days days it’s hard to find a business that is 100% committed to making sure the customer is their #1 concern. Going to be doing more work and sticking with them as I know it will be top quality.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Stephens 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We contacted BGC after storm damage and had them completely re-roof and re-side our house, garage, and shed. The entire process was incredibly smooth from start to finish. They were easy to work with, handled all the details, and made what could have been a stressful situation completely worry-free.
Our contact, Jayce Kirkland, was outstanding. His professionalism, communication, and courteous demeanor were truly a breath of fresh air. He took care of everything for us and made sure the project stayed on track every step of the way. We couldn’t be happier with the experience and have and would highly recommend BGC to anyone needing roofing or siding work!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rob Anast 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very customer focused company.  Replaced my roof and siding after hail and wind damage 6 years ago.  Second hail and damage storm this year and they are my vendor of choice again.  In process now to replace my roof and siding.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   paolo masone 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brad gave me a good price and the roof looks great!  The roof was replaced in one day.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Doug Cooper 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They did an excellent job! Fast, efficient and did a great job cleaning up.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   christos karampetsos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family member needed a roof replacement after the recent storm in Madison , Chad came out to inspect the roof and went over the options with us. Full roof replacement and the new roof looks GREAT, they were done with in 2 days and left no mess behind which was very thankful for.

Thanks !!

— Home Base

Madison, WI · Centerville, IA

— Ice Dam FAQ

SEC 07 / 07

Ice dam removal questions.

Leaking right now?

(608) 909-9109

24/7 emergency line

Q.01 — What causes ice dams?

Ice dams are caused by household heat that escapes through weak insulation and air leaks into a poorly ventilated attic and warms the roof deck. That heat melts snow on the upper roof, and the meltwater refreezes at the cold eave overhang. Wisconsin ice dam guide →

Q.02 — Can I remove an ice dam myself?

Removing an ice dam yourself is risky, because icy roofs are dangerous and chipping ice commonly damages shingles and flashing. Professional ice dam removal generally uses low-pressure steam, which melts the ice with less risk to the shingles. For an active leak, call Buckshot’s 24/7 line.

Q.03 — Will ice dams come back after removal?

Yes, an ice dam usually rebuilds within weeks when only the ice is removed, because the attic heat remains. Buckshot corrects the attic ventilation and insulation that cause ice dams so they stop recurring. Attic ventilation services →

Q.04 — Does Buckshot work with my insurance company?

Yes, Buckshot provides ice dam removal in Madison and across Wisconsin and works with any insurance carrier. Sudden water damage from an ice dam is often covered, though coverage varies by policy. Ice dam insurance guide →

Q.05 — How do you prevent ice dams long-term?

You prevent ice dams long-term by keeping the roof deck cold with ridge and soffit ventilation, air sealing and insulation to the recommended R-value. During roof work, an ice and water shield membrane at the eaves adds a waterproof backup.

Q.06 — Do you serve my area?

Buckshot offers ice dam removal across Wisconsin and southern Iowa from its Madison headquarters and Centerville field office. Enter your zip code in the form to confirm service at your address.

Q.07 — How much does ice dam removal cost?

Ice dam removal cost depends on the size and thickness of the ice dam, roof height and pitch, and access to the eaves. Attic ventilation or insulation fixes add to the scope when the inspection finds heat loss. Buckshot gives you a free on-site estimate first. Schedule free estimate →

— Related

Roofing Services

Attic VentilationThe root-cause fix→Roof RepairLeaks · flashing · ice dams→24/7 Emergency RepairsActive leaks · storm · winter→Free Roof InspectionWritten report · no obligation→

Trust & Company

Insurance Claims HelpWe attend the adjuster→Roof ReplacementIce & water shield included→Customer Reviews4.9★ · 200+ reviews→FinancingPayment plans, subject to approval→

Free Inspection · 24/7 Emergency

End the every-winter ice dam cycle.

Buckshot handles ice dam removal safely and fixes the attic ventilation and insulation behind each dam. Family-owned since 1979 and GAF Master Elite certified, Buckshot responds within 2 hours and answers the storm line 24/7. Schedule a free inspection, or call (608) 909-9109 for an active leak.

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.