4510 S Federal Blvd Englewood, Colorado 80110

3525 N Cascade Ave #204 Colorado Springs, CO 80907

(303) 761-6400(24/7)

(719) 434-3020(24/7)

Ice Dams: How to Prevent Ice Dams & Protect Your Roof

Every year when snow begins to fall and we experience sub-freezing temps in Denver, we start to get calls from concerned customers about ice dams. It happens like clockwork, and we are there to answer the call and help.

Ice dam on home's roofing

How Ice Dams Form

Ice dams are formed by snow when the temperatures fluctuate between the days and nights during winter. The snow on the roofs will melt during the day and start to drip off the roof and into the gutters. Once the sun goes down the melted snow will freeze and turn to ice overnight creating a barrier and/or icicle on the edge of the roof. North facing parts of roofs in Colorado are more likely to have ice dams because this side of the house receives the least amount of sunlight throughout the day.

How an ice dam forms illustration
Ice dams can be dangerous and damage your roof

Poorly insulated attic space can also lead to the formation of ice dams. The lack of attic insulation will cause the snow to melt faster off the top portion of the roof where the radiant heat escaping from the home collects. The snow then melts slower once it reaches the lower edge of the roof where the radiant heat from the living space is less. Once the snow builds up enough in this areas the snow and water refreeze over and over. The water freezes under the shingles and when it starts to melt again it drips into the soffit and even directly into the home. If a home has bad ice dams, they usually also experience icicles that can cause damage to the facia, soffit, and siding.

Another example of ice dam damage to the roof

Homes with multiple levels and dimensions can be more prone to ice dams. We often find ice dams in valleys of roofs where two faces meet and water drains off. Because of this these areas can be the most problematic. The melted water moves down the roof valley to the gutters (most of the time this drainage point is an inside corner) if the drainage is not adequate large ice build ups form. In extreme cases fascia and soffit can be completely separated and must be repaired or replaced.

Icicles forming from an ice dam

What not to do

Excel Roofing has seen many DIY fixes to ice dams, and they do not solve your issue. We’ve heard stories of customers using hot water, ice melt, and torches. While doing this helps speed up the melting process, it will not melt the entire ice dam and will not solve the issue going forward. Ice dams will continue to form if a permanent solution is not installed. There is no quick fix to getting rid of ice dams other than climbing on the roof and chipping the ice away. However, that is extremely dangerous. Let’s leave it to the pros: Excel Roofing.

Ways to protect your roof with ice dams

Ice and water shield is required by building codes in most cities, counties and jurisdictions in Colorado and Wyoming. With proper installation, ice and water shield can help protect your roof from leaks caused by ice dams. When installing the ice and water shield code demands that it be installed 24 inches beyond the heated wall. Ice dams can melt overtime and cause water to get underneath the shingles and into the home. This is your best line of defense from preventing damage. Excel recommends every house have Ice and Water Shield installed on the eaves even if it is not required by the code and as a rule, we do install it in every roof valley on all projects.

Roofer installing heat cable on a roof

Excel also recommends making sure your house is properly insulated and ventilated. This adds many benefits to your home not just helping with ice dams. Proper insulation and ventilation is integral to the roof system as a whole and will help with maintaining the proper ambient temperature during all seasons. Please see our blog post here for more info: https://www.excelroofing.com/attic-ventilation/

Heat Cable

Heat cable is Excel Roofing’s best solution to ice dams. Heat cable is installed directly on the roof close to the eaves. It is installed in a zigzag pattern approximately two feet up the roof, and through the gutters and downspouts to help prevent ice from freezing there as well. If you are having ice damning issues on your home please call us. We would be more than happy to give you a free estimate to install the ice melting system that is right for your property.

YouTube Link:
Check out our YouTube channel for a video about ice dams and heat cable from the owner J Bretz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIgGxW8MMkY

Receive a half-price solar-powered attic fan for $500, with the purchase of a full roof. Normally $999.

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Why Homeowners and Businesses Choose Us

Colo Radans
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Excel Roofing is the only roofing company I would trust and recommend to others. Kevin M. is extremely helpful and professional at all time with his experience and knowledge.
Ralitsa Carter
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I highly recommend consulting with a true roof insurance expert like Excel Roofing, as there are a lot of details one can easily miss if not in the field on a regular basis.
Mary Kimball
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Omar came out and repaired some of our inside ceiling where the nails lifted the drywall. He is an amazing worker, a master at his job. Ask for Omar as he is a real asset to Excel Roofing!
Cindy L
Local Guide
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This company has gone way beyond my expectations. Thank you Jay and especially thank you JR for doing such a great job, being dependable, on time and affordable.
Rick Sturdivant
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Troy Lindsay and his team did a great job installing a new roof. They even worked with me when I wanted a solar-powered attic fan installed and helped me size and choose one.
brian niles
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These guys are top notch! You will not find better service anywhere!! Thank you Excel!!
Dustin Sieve
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I would absolutely recommend Excel roofing for any roofing, gutters or painting. I plan on using them again for any future claims.
Eric Zietlow
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Eric the project manager answered all calls and e mails promptly, addressed any concerns, and followed up on small issues. Good looking roof, no headaches or stress on my end.
Nicki Shields
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The building inspector said this was one of the best roof jobs she has seen, she was very impressed. I highly recommend Excel Roofing for roofs, siding, and windows. I could not be more pleased! Look no further.
Sonny Romero
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Matt Foster was our Project Manager. Matt was very friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. He was involved from the estimate through the final inspection. Excel Roofing did an outstanding job.
ANDREW RODWIN
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Troy and his crew were outstanding. He explained the details every step of the way. They gave us a job date and completed on time.
Kevin Donahue
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Unlike the other companies who bid my roofing job, Excel (Brock) was not pushy and the deal did not have to be signed before he left the house. I am extremely pleased.
Ana Kauffman
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Love Chris, had my best interest in mind during the entire roof replacement process. He was able to rush the job for us given that we were nearing the closing date of the sale of the house.
Andy Dimmen
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Throughout the process I had one point of contact at Excel (Brock). Brock managed the entire process so that I didn’t have to do a thing. I will recommend Excel to everyone I know
Taylor Hood
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I would have given 5 stars. Giving 4 because of how hard Matt worked to get project finished and they were priced very reasonable compared to other roofing companies.
Beth Rogers
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Troy and his crew went above and beyond for us. Working to help us navigate insurance claim. Great job, on time, on budget, house looks great. Couldn't be happier! Highly recommend Mr Troy and his crew!
Bob Andersen
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wonderful company to work with.. from the initial call for someone to come look.. the project manager Bob was at the house within an hour.
Mindy Densmore
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They showed up on time, determined the problem, showed us a video of what to do to prevent it in the future and and took care of it immediately. I highly recommend Excel.
j snoy
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I definitely recommend and will use again. Chris the project manager was very quick to respond and quite reliable. Overall, a great roofing experience.

Denver Metro

4510 S Federal Blvd
Englewood, Colorado 80110

Phone: (303) 761-6400

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Colorado Springs

3525 N Cascade Ave #204 Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Phone: (719) 434-3020

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Sheridan, Wyoming

1574 N Main Street
Sheridan, Wyoming 82801

Phone: (307) 763-4050

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Casper, Wyoming

373 Lakeview Drive
Casper, Wyoming 82604

Phone: (307) 237-770

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