Request a free estimate to talk with a trusted local gutter pro.
An ice dam is a ridge of ice at the eave that traps meltwater behind it. The water backs up under shingles and leaks into walls, ceilings and window frames. In Tahoe, where roofs carry deep snowpack for months, ice dams are one of the most common winter roof problems.
How ice dams form
Heat leaking from the living space warms the roof deck. Snow melts on the upper roof, runs down to the cold overhang, and refreezes. Each cycle builds the ridge higher. Clogged or frozen gutters make it worse, but the root cause is heat getting into the roof.
Active ice dam? What to do now
- Don’t chip with axes, hammers or ice picks. It damages shingles and gutters and is dangerous on a snowy roof.
- Avoid rock salt on the roof; it can harm roofing, metal and plants.
- Professional steam removal uses low-pressure steam to cut channels through the ice without tearing up the roof.
- Inside, move belongings away from leaks, catch drips, and photograph damage for your insurer.
Long-term prevention
Building science guidance from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America program, ENERGY STAR and University of Minnesota Extension is consistent:
- Air seal the attic floor at recessed lights, plumbing and wiring penetrations, chimneys, duct chases and the attic hatch.
- Add insulation once leaks are sealed.
- Ventilate so the roof deck stays cold, with soffit vents kept clear by baffles.
- Ice barrier at the eave. South Lake Tahoe and Truckee both require ice barrier membrane on roofs; Truckee’s code calls for it from the eave to 5 feet past the interior wall line.
- Heat cable at chronic spots as backup. See heated gutters.
Our guide goes deeper: Preventing ice dams in Tahoe.
Request a free estimate to talk with a trusted local gutter pro.
Tahoe Gutters connects Lake Tahoe homeowners with an independent local gutter and roof-edge contractor. Work is performed by that contractor, not by this website. Cost figures on this site are general estimates from published national cost guides, not quotes.
Frequently asked questions
Is ice dam removal an emergency?
If water is coming inside, act quickly. Steam removal crews get busy during storms, so reach out early.
Should I rake snow off my roof?
A roof rake from the ground can pull snow off the lower few feet of a single-story roof. Never climb onto a snowy roof. For large or tall roofs, hire a pro.
Will new gutters stop ice dams?
No. Gutters can be damaged by ice dams but don’t cause or cure them. Heat loss into the roof is the root cause.