Ice-dam Protection
Ice-dam Protection | Roofing Done Right | Roofing | Washburn
Winter on Lake Superior can be ruthless, but homeowners in Washburn don’t have to surrender to ice dams, leaks, or costly heat loss. HEP’s specialized ice-dam protection system blends premium underlayments, precision ventilation, and seamless waterproof barriers, all installed by craftsmen who live here and know what our weather can unleash. From the first inspection to the final shingle, every step is guided by decades of local experience—and backed by warranties that actually mean something when the snow flies.
Choose HEP and experience roofing done right: smart design that sheds snow before it can freeze, meticulous installation that locks out moisture, and a responsive team ready to climb a ladder even in January if you need us. Safeguard your investment, lower your energy bills, and enjoy a roof built for Washburn’s wild winters.
FAQs
What are ice dams, and why are they such a problem for homes in Washburn?
Ice dams form when heat escaping from a home’s attic melts snow on the upper portions of the roof. The melt-water runs down to the cold eaves and refreezes, creating a ridge of ice that prevents subsequent runoff. Water backs up behind the ridge and can penetrate shingles, underlayment, and roof decking. Washburn’s long stretches of sub-freezing nights followed by sunny days create the perfect melt-freeze cycle, so local homes are especially vulnerable to ceiling leaks, soaked insulation, mold growth, and premature roof failure.
How does Roofing Done Right prevent or eliminate ice dams?
We take a two-part approach: 1. Prevention – During new roof installation or re-roofing, we install premium waterproof ice-and-water shield membranes from the eaves up at least 24 inches inside the warm wall line, add self-regulating heat cables where necessary, and design ridge and soffit ventilation to keep attic temperatures close to outdoor temperatures. 2. Removal – For existing dams we use low-pressure steam machines (never hammers or picks) that safely melt and channel away the ice without damaging shingles or gutters. We also inspect insulation levels and seal attic bypasses so the problem does not return.
Which roofing materials or systems work best for long-term ice-dam protection?
• Architectural asphalt shingles paired with full-width ice-and-water shield on low-slope sections. • Standing-seam metal roofing, which sheds snow quickly and allows us to install color-matched snow guards that break up sliding snow loads. • Synthetic slate and composite shakes combined with a ventilated cold-roof deck, giving the classic look of cedar without the moisture absorption. We always recommend closed-cell spray-foam or blown-in cellulose insulation upgrades and continuous ridge ventilation to complement any roofing system.
Will your ice-dam protection methods damage my current roof or gutters?
No. Our team is manufacturer-certified and follows strict guidelines: • Steam ice-dam removal operates below 300 psi—gentle enough for all shingle types. • Heat-cable clips are screwed into the fascia, not nailed through shingle surfaces. • Ice-and-water membranes are installed under the roofing, never exposed, so they do not create UV or adhesive issues. • All gutter work is done with padded ladder standoffs and foam blocks, preventing dents or scratches.
What does professional ice-dam protection cost in the Washburn area, and what affects the price?
Pricing ranges from $5 to $12 per linear foot for preventive membrane installation during a re-roof, and $350–$700 per hour for emergency steam removal crews (most residential projects require 2–4 hours). Total project cost depends on roof size and pitch, roof-access difficulty, existing insulation conditions, and whether heat-trace cables or ventilation retrofits are needed. We provide free on-site assessments and written estimates good for 30 days.
Do your ice-dam protection services come with a warranty or maintenance support?
Yes. Roofing Done Right provides: • 10-year workmanship warranty on all membrane, flashing, and ventilation installations. • Up to 50-year manufacturer warranties on qualifying shingle, metal, or synthetic roofing materials. • 2-year no-ice-dam guarantee—if an ice dam forms in an area we protected and causes a leak, we’ll remove it and repair the damage at no cost. • Optional annual snow-load and gutter-cleaning service plans so your roof stays clear and covered season after season.