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ICE Dam Removal for the Tahoe Basin

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Heavy snow, cold nights, and sunny afternoons make Lake Tahoe roofs prime ground for ice dams. We provide ICE Dam Removal for homes, cabins, and vacation rentals across the Tahoe Basin, from South Lake Tahoe and Stateline to Zephyr Cove, Incline Village, Kings Beach, and Tahoe City. Our approach is gentle on the roof: low-pressure steam and careful hand clearing, never chipping.

Call (916) 494-8868 or send the quote form. Absentee owners get before and after photos of the roof edge and gutters.

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that builds up along the lower edge of a roof. Warm air from the living space heats the roof deck, melting the snow above it. That meltwater runs down to the eaves, which hang out past the warm walls and stay cold, and it freezes again. Each freeze-thaw cycle makes the ridge taller.

Why ice dams cause roof leaks

Shingles and shakes are built to shed water running downhill, not to hold back standing water. Once an ice dam forms, meltwater pools behind it, works its way up under the roofing, and can soak the roof deck, insulation, ceilings, and walls. Ice dams can also pull gutters loose and send heavy icicles down onto decks and walkways.

Signs you need ICE Dam Removal

  • A thick ridge of ice along the eaves or in the gutters
  • Large icicles hanging from the roof edge or gutters
  • Water stains or damp spots on ceilings or upper walls near exterior walls
  • Water dripping inside around windows, skylights, or door frames during a thaw
  • Gutters sagging or pulling away under the weight of ice
  • Snow melting high on the roof while the edge stays frozen

Our safe ICE Dam Removal approach

The goal is to drain the trapped water and relieve the roof edge without harming the roof itself.

  • Low-pressure steam: we melt channels and sections of the ice dam so water can drain, instead of blasting with high-pressure water that can strip granules and break shingles.
  • No chipping: no hammers, axes, or picks on the roof. Chipping is a common way roofs and gutters get damaged.
  • Hand clearing near the eaves: loose snow along the lower roof edge is cleared carefully so new meltwater has somewhere to go.
  • Gutters and downspouts: where it is safe to reach them, we open them up so water can drain away.
  • Photo report: before and after photos, plus notes on anything we see, such as damaged flashing or gutters.

We only work when a roof can be accessed safely. If a roof is too steep, too loaded, or otherwise unsafe, we will tell you.

Lake-safe note: Steam uses plain water, with no salt or chemical de-icers that can harm roofing, plants, and the lake.

Roof snow and ice dam prevention tips

  • Clear pine needles before winter. Packed gutters hold water and freeze solid. Our pine needle & gutter cleaning in fall helps meltwater drain.
  • Keep the roof clean. Roof cleaning removes needles and debris that trap moisture and slow snow shedding.
  • Clear the lower roof edge after big storms. Removing snow from the first few feet above the eaves gives meltwater a path off the roof.
  • Avoid DIY chipping and ladders on ice. It is easy to damage the roof and dangerous to work on an icy ladder.
  • Address the root cause. Ice dams usually come from heat escaping into the attic. Ask a roofer or insulation contractor about attic insulation, air sealing, and ventilation.
  • Check the house after storms. If you are away, have someone look for big icicles, ice ridges, or interior stains.

Clear downspouts and yard drains help meltwater leave the roof edge. See drain cleaning before winter.

Areas we serve across the Tahoe Basin

We offer ICE Dam Removal around the lake on both the Nevada and California sides:

Nearby, we also serve Carson City, NV, Minden, NV, Gardnerville, NV, Reno, NV, Sparks, NV. See all service areas →

ICE Dam Removal FAQ

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the roof edge. Heat escaping from the house melts snow higher on the roof, the water runs down to the colder eaves, and it refreezes. The ridge then traps more meltwater behind it.

Can an ice dam cause a roof leak?

Yes. Water trapped behind the ice can back up under shingles or shakes and get into the roof deck, ceilings, and walls. Stains on ceilings or walls near exterior walls in winter are a common sign.

How do you remove ice dams without damaging the roof?

We use low-pressure steam to melt channels and sections of the ice, and clear loose snow by hand near the eaves. We do not chip with hammers, axes, or picks, and we do not use high-pressure water, both of which can break shingles and gutters.

Do you serve the whole Tahoe Basin?

Yes. We cover South Lake Tahoe, Stateline, Zephyr Cove, Glenbrook, Incline Village, Crystal Bay, Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Tahoe City, and nearby towns. Call (916) 494-8868 to confirm your address.

Can you help if I'm not at the property?

Yes. Many of our clients are second-home and rental owners. We coordinate access with you or your property manager and send before and after photos.

How can I help prevent ice dams?

Keep gutters and roof edges clear of pine needles before winter, have heavy snow cleared from the lower roof edge after big storms, and talk to a roofer or insulation contractor about attic insulation and ventilation, which address the root cause.

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Book ICE Dam Removal

Call (916) 494-8868 or send the quote form above.