FAMILY-OWNED · SINCE 1979 MADISON, WI · CENTERVILLE, IA LIC. DC-080900045
24/7 STORM LINE (608) 909-9109

Home / Storm Damage / Ice Dams

—  Ice Dam Damage · WI & IA

That ridge of ice is leaking into your home.

An ice dam isn't just icicles. A warm attic melts snow up high, the water runs down and refreezes at the cold eaves, then backs up under your shingles and into the ceilings and walls. We stop the leak, then fix the cause.

✓24/7 emergency✓Fix the cause✓Insurance documented
BGC

Free inspection

WI & IA · We respond in 2 hours

    Get a free ice dam inspection.

    If water's coming in, call us, we respond 24/7. Otherwise, request a free inspection: we'll find where the dam is backing water up, document any damage for your claim, and show you how to stop it coming back. We respond within 2 hours.

    ✓Free inspection✓24/7 emergency✓Fix the cause✓Since 1979
    24/7Emergency Response4.9★80 Reviews47yrsWI Winters$0Inspection Cost

    —  What Ice Dams Do

    SEC 01 / 07

    The damage starts where you can't see it.

    By the time water shows up on a ceiling, it has already been running behind the scenes. These are the signs an ice dam is doing damage, inside and out.

    ✓

    Thick ice at the eaves

    A solid ridge of ice along the gutters and roof edge, often with large icicles, is the dam itself, and a warning sign, not just winter decor.

    ✓

    Ceiling & wall stains

    Brown rings, bubbling paint, or damp drywall on upper-floor ceilings and walls mean water has already backed in under the shingles.

    ✓

    Soaked attic insulation

    Water that backs up wets the attic insulation, which loses its R-value and stays damp, feeding mold and more heat loss.

    ✓

    Rotting roof decking

    Repeated moisture under the shingles rots the roof decking and rafters, the structural layer the whole roof depends on.

    ✓

    Damaged gutters

    The weight of ice pulls gutters off the fascia and bends them, and a clogged or wrong-pitched gutter makes dams worse.

    ✓

    Lifted & loosened shingles

    Water freezing and thawing under the shingles lifts and loosens them, breaking the seal that keeps the next rain out.

    —  The Real Cause

    SEC 02 / 07

    An ice dam is an attic problem, not just a roof one.

    Chipping the ice off treats the symptom. The reason it formed is heat escaping into the attic, and that's what has to be fixed so it doesn't come back:

    Heat escapes into the attic and warms the upper roof deck.Snow melts up high, runs down, and refreezes where the eave stays cold.The dam grows and forces water back up under the shingles.Proper attic ventilation and insulation keep the roof deck cold and even, which is what actually stops dams. Attic ventilation →

    —  How We Fix It

    SEC 03 / 07

    We do both, so it doesn't come back next winter.

    Anyone can knock the ice down. Doing it right means repairing the water damage and addressing why the dam formed, so you're not calling someone again at the next thaw.

    ✓

    Stop the leak & repair the damage

    ✓

    Fix the cause

    —  Insurance & The Claim

    SEC 04 / 07

    Sudden interior water damage is often covered.

    When an ice dam causes sudden interior damage, many homeowner policies cover it. We document it properly and work with any carrier. You typically pay only your deductible.

    01

    Stop & inspect

    We stop active leaks, then inspect the roof, attic, and interior for all the damage.

    02

    Document the claim

    We photograph and document the damage in the format your adjuster needs.

    03

    Work with the adjuster

    We walk the damage with your adjuster so nothing legitimate is missed.

    04

    Repair & prevent

    Our crews repair the damage and address the cause so it doesn't recur.

    —  What Homeowners Say

    Reviews

    Posted on Google Google
    Joy I profile picture
    Joy I
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Google
    Shelly Ziegler profile picture
    Shelly Ziegler
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Google
    Amy Stephens profile picture
    Amy Stephens
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Google
    Rob Anast profile picture
    Rob Anast
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Google
    paolo masone profile picture
    paolo masone
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Google
    Doug Cooper profile picture
    Doug Cooper
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Google
    christos karampetsos profile picture
    christos karampetsos
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 !!
    Posted on Google Google
    Jason Montez profile picture
    Jason Montez
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    *update* number 2 I have been through about 4 different people now to get my issue fixed. They came and fixed the side that was leaking. The contractor that came out confirmed the siding wasnt installed properly and put in some flashing to fix the issue. Since it wasnt installed right i wanted the rest of the house done to prevent other issues and the company agreed to do that. Still not done and now im dealing with yet another person who has not contacted me to resolve my issue. Told them when this job was completed i wanted a new patio door as well to get the last year of the energy credit. Crickets. I have been very patient, but am beyond frustrated at this point. *update* After posting i was contacted regarding my review. Turns out the reason i wasn’t contacted was because my salesman is no longer with the company and never responded to tell me that when i called him (his number was still correct at the time of the call). I had a rep come to my home and immediately discuss solutions to the issue. Everything was done properly on my home, its just one of those things no one could foresee. I am beyond happy with the speed things are moving once i was contacted. Already making plans for additional work needed next season. Had windows and siding done. The windows crew was fantastic. Personable as well as professional. Siding crew was also great. My issue comes with the after care. My basement was leaking during rains. It also leaked running the sprinkler for new grass. Contacted my salesman and never heard back. Been probably a month? Had a contractor friend of mine come look and the issue was the siding wasnt ran low enough (or a piece of flashing would have worked as well) to stop water from coming through the basement from under the sill plate. Id have even paid to have it corrected, but no call. My issue is a simple one, but the aftercare deserves a one. The total score is because their crews were great. The people in admin simply need to be better. I had to remove foam that was trafficking water in and will be using flex seal to create a barrier since no call was made back. Update as of april, 2026. After some frustrating back and forth one of their contractors came our and looked at my situation late summer of 2025. Confirmed the siding wasnt done properly and installed flashing where the leak was and i haven’t had an issue since. Despite the numerous tornados weve had. With that said, Fall of 2025 i told them (after being informed the siding wasn’t done properly by their guy) i told them while the basement no longer seems to leak, i want the rest of the house covered with that flashing incase their are other problems. i dont want to refinish my basement to discover issues. The “salesman” essentially accused me of only wanting free things and after him explaining to me how awesome he was and that i was wrong, i stopped the phone call. The subcontractors they hire are overall solid, but some of the staff have made the company unusable for me. Just be cautious if you use them. Communication is great… until they get your money.

    —  Home Base

    Madison, WI · Centerville, IA

    —  Ice Dam FAQ

    SEC 06 / 07

    Leaking now?

    24/7 emergency · free inspection

    It’s a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of your roof. Heat escaping into the attic melts snow on the upper roof; that water runs down and refreezes where the eaves stay cold, building a dam that backs water up under the shingles and into the home. See the cause →

    Because the root cause hasn’t been fixed. Dams keep coming back when the attic is too warm and unevenly ventilated. Until the ventilation and insulation are addressed, the roof keeps melting snow that refreezes at the edge. Attic ventilation →

    We don’t recommend it. Chipping at ice on a roof is dangerous and can damage the shingles, and it doesn’t fix why the dam formed. It’s better to stop the leak properly and address the cause so it doesn’t return.

    Often, yes. Sudden interior water damage from an ice dam is covered by many homeowner policies when documented properly, and you typically pay only your deductible. We document it for your claim and work with any carrier. Coverage is determined by your insurer. How the claim works →

    We address the cause, attic ventilation and insulation, which is what keeps the roof deck cold and even so dams don’t form. Combined with clear, well-pitched gutters, it’s the lasting fix, not just a seasonal patch. Gutter repair →

    For an active interior leak we respond 24/7. For inspections we respond to requests within 2 hours during business hours and schedule promptly. The sooner we stop the water, the less interior damage you face.

    24/7 Emergency · Free Inspection

    Stop the leak. Then stop it coming back.

    Call now if water's coming in, we respond 24/7 to protect your home. Or request a free inspection and we'll document the damage for your claim and show you the ventilation fix that ends the cycle. You pay your deductible, we handle the rest.

    Insurance coverage, claim approval, scope, and out-of-pocket cost depend on your policy, deductible, and the documented cause and extent of damage; coverage is determined by your insurer, not by Buckshot, and outcomes vary by claim. We are not Iowa public adjusters, nor do we offer public adjusting services. Iowa Code §522C. Ice dam prevention depends on attic ventilation, insulation, and site conditions; no measure fully guarantees against ice dams in all weather. Emergency response limits but cannot guarantee against further damage. Financing is provided through third-party lenders (Service Finance Company, LLC), subject to approval. WI Lic. DC-080900045 · IL Lic. 104017198 · Family-Owned Since 1979.

    Crew available todayFreeInspection1 dayMost installsDeductible onlyOn covered claims4.9 / 5200+ Google reviews

    ●  From the crew that writes the guides

    Done reading? Let us look for you.

    The guides tell you what to check from the ground. We get on the ladder, photograph every facet, and tell you straight: a claim, a repair, or nothing to worry about.

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