Causes, Risks, Costs, and Professional Solutions for Homeowners and Businesses!

Winter weather in Lakeville, Middleboro, and Southeastern Massachusetts creates ideal conditions for one of the most damaging cold-weather problems homeowners face: ice dams.

As a professional ice dam mitigation and snow management company, Well Done Landscapes LLC regularly responds to emergency calls from homeowners dealing with roof leaks, ceiling damage, interior water intrusion, and dangerous ice buildup along rooflines and walkways.

This pillar guide explains everything homeowners need to know about ice dams — why they form, why they’re dangerous, how much damage they cause, how they should be handled, and when to call a professional.

What Is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam forms when snow on a roof melts due to heat escaping from the home and then refreezes at the colder roof edge near the gutters.

Over time, this frozen ridge grows thicker and prevents melting snow from draining properly. Water becomes trapped behind the ice and can be forced under shingles and into the home, even on newer roofs.

Ice dams are extremely common in Lakeville and Middleboro due to:

• Heavy snowfall

• Repeated freeze–thaw cycles

• Daytime sun exposure followed by overnight freezing

Common Signs of Ice Dams on Your Roof

Homeowners often don’t realize they have an ice dam until damage has already begun. Warning signs include:

• Thick ice buildup along the roof edge or inside gutters

• Large or growing icicles

• Interior ceiling stains or bubbling paint

• Active roof leaks during snowmelt

• Ice-covered walkways or entryways below rooflines

If you can see ice at the roof edge, an ice dam is already forming.

Why Ice Dams Are a Serious Problem

Ice dams are not just a winter inconvenience — they are a major source of property damage.

Potential Damage from Ice Dams

• Roof and shingle damage from trapped water

• Interior water leaks and ceiling damage

• Saturated insulation and hidden moisture

• Mold growth from prolonged damp conditions

• Gutter damage from excessive ice weight

• Dangerous refreezing runoff on walkways

In New England, ice dams often worsen over time as temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing.

How Much Damage Can Ice Dams Cause?

Ice dam damage is often far more expensive than homeowners expect.

Insurance and restoration industry data shows:

• Average ice dam water damage claims: $8,000–$12,000

• Severe cases: $20,000–$50,000+

• Hidden moisture damage may not appear for weeks or months

What starts as a small roof-edge ice buildup can quickly escalate into major interior repairs.

Early ice dam mitigation is usually a fraction of the cost of repairing the damage.

Why Ice Dams Are Common in Lakeville & Middleboro, MA

Local conditions play a major role in ice dam formation:

• Older housing stock with inconsistent insulation

• Roof designs with limited ventilation

• Snow accumulation followed by rapid warming

• Shade patterns that prevent uniform melting

These factors make Lakeville and Middleboro homes especially vulnerable during harsh winters.

Why DIY Ice Dam Removal Is Dangerous

Many homeowners attempt DIY methods such as:

• Chipping ice with tools

• Pouring salt or chemicals directly on shingles

• Pulling down icicles by hand

These approaches often cause:

• Shingle and roof membrane damage

• Gutter separation or failure

• Personal injury from slips or falling ice

Ice dams should never be aggressively chipped or forced off a roof.

The Proper Way to Mitigate Ice Dams

Professional ice dam mitigation focuses on restoring drainage, not destroying ice.

1. Roof Edge Snow Removal

Removing snow from the lower roof area above the gutter line reduces meltwater and exposes the roof edge to sunlight and airflow.

2. Controlled Ice Melt Application

Professionally placed calcium chloride ice-melt products create channels through ice dams, allowing water to drain safely off the roof.

3. Drainage Monitoring

Because refreezing can occur, ice dam mitigation is a temporary protective service that may require follow-up during prolonged winter conditions.

Is Ice Dam Mitigation a Permanent Solution?

No — and reputable companies will be honest about this.

Ice dams are influenced by:

• Insulation levels

• Attic ventilation

• Roof design and slope

• Weather and temperature swings

Emergency ice dam services are designed to reduce immediate damage and risk, while long-term prevention may require structural improvements.

Why Hire a Professional Ice Dam Mitigation Company?

Professional ice mitigation contractors:

• Work safely in icy, elevated conditions

• Use roof-safe materials and techniques

• Understand drainage patterns and refreezing risks

• Carry proper insurance and training

• Know when to stop or adjust methods

Most importantly, professionals help reduce the risk of accidental roof damage or injury.

When Should You Call for Ice Dam Removal?

Call for professional ice dam mitigation if you notice:

• Ice buildup along roof edges

• Active leaks during snowmelt

• Icicles forming repeatedly

• Refreezing water on walkways

Waiting often leads to more damage and higher repair costs.

Emergency Ice Dam Mitigation in Lakeville & Middleboro, MA

Well Done Landscapes LLC provides professional emergency ice dam mitigation services for homeowners in Lakeville, Middleboro, and surrounding Southeastern Massachusetts communities.

Our Ice Dam Services Include:

• Targeted roof-edge snow removal

• Controlled calcium chloride ice-melt placement

• Drainage restoration during freeze–thaw cycles

• Fast response during dangerous winter conditions

📞 Call 508-496-1315 to discuss your situation and schedule service.