What to do right now

1. Don’t climb on the roof

• It’s slippery and dangerous, especially in winter.
• Avoid chipping ice with tools—you can damage shingles.

2. Clear snow (safely)

• If you can reach from the ground, use a roof rake to remove snow from the edge of the roof.
• Focus on the first 3–6 feet near the gutters.

3. Reduce indoor leaks

• If water is dripping inside, place buckets or towels to protect floors and ceilings.
• If a ceiling is bulging with water, have an adult carefully relieve pressure (this is usually best handled by a professional).

4. Use ice-melting socks (temporary help)

• Fill old socks or pantyhose with calcium chloride (not rock salt).
• Lay them across the ice dam to create channels for water to drain.
• This is a short-term fix, not a cure.
  

  What helps prevent more damage

  5. Improve attic warmth control
  Ice dams form when heat escapes from the house and melts snow on the roof.

  • Keep attic spaces well insulated
  • Seal air leaks (around vents, lights, attic hatches)
  • Make sure attic ventilation isn’t blocked

  6. Keep gutters clear

  • Clogged gutters trap water, making ice dams worse.
    

    When to call a professional

    Call a roofer or ice-dam removal service if:

    • Water is leaking into the house
    • Ice dams are large or keep coming back
    • You’re not able to remove snow safely

    Professionals may use steam removal, which is safe for shingles.

    What NOT to do

    • Don’t pour hot water on the roof
    • Don’t use sharp tools or axes
    • Don’t use rock salt (it damages roofs and plants)