Ice dam and roof snow removal in Ontario
A heavy snowfall followed by a thaw and refreeze is how most Ontario homes end up with ice dams: a ridge of ice at the eaves that traps meltwater behind it and pushes it back under the shingles. Left alone, that water finds its way into soffits, attic insulation, and ceilings. On older or lower-pitch roofs, repeated snow load over a winter can also stress rafters and decking.
Roof snow and ice dam removal is a specific skill, not just shoveling. Crews use plastic roof rakes from the ground, low-pressure steam to melt channels through an ice dam without lifting shingles, and they know to avoid chipping, salting, or pressure-washing, all of which can crack or strip granules off asphalt shingles. A good crew will also look at attic insulation and ventilation while they're up there, since poor airflow is usually why ice dams keep coming back year after year on the same roof.
This work is done at height in winter conditions, so it should only be handled by an insured contractor with proper fall protection and ladder safety, not a general handyman or a snow-shoveling side hustle.
What it costs
What a visit costs depends on the size and pitch of the roof, how much snow and ice has built up, how many storeys the crew has to work at, and whether it's a one-time clearing or a standing arrangement for return visits through a snowy winter. Homes with recurring ice dams may also face a separate cost to add attic insulation or ventilation to fix the underlying cause.
Top 3 by our score
Ranked from our published scoring of public Google reviews for roof inspection & maintenance.
- 1. Prime Roof Repairs Company Toronto955.0★ · 210 reviews
- 2. Universal Roofs Toronto935.0★ · 166 reviews
- 3. BNS Roofing935.0★ · 163 reviews
FAQ
- Is roof snow removal the same as roof raking?
- Roof raking is the do-it-yourself version done from the ground with a long-handled tool and only reaches the lower few feet of roof. Professional snow and ice dam removal covers the full roof and includes controlled ice melting methods a homeowner's roof rake can't handle.
- Will removing an ice dam damage my shingles?
- It can if it's done with chipping, salt, or a pressure washer. A contractor experienced in ice dam removal uses low-pressure steam to cut channels through the ice without prying at the shingles underneath.
- How do I know if my roof has too much snow on it?
- Warning signs include sagging rooflines, doors or windows that suddenly stick, cracking sounds from the attic, or ice dams thick enough to see from the ground. A roofer can assess load safely without you going up there yourself.
- Does home insurance cover ice dam damage?
- Many Ontario home policies cover sudden water damage from an ice dam, though coverage and deductibles vary by insurer. It's worth checking your policy and keeping photos before and after any repair.