An ice dam. Do not get on the roof.
Meltwater is backing up under the shingles and into the wall or ceiling every warm afternoon until the dam is gone.
What is probably happening
- Heat leaking from the house melts roof snow; it refreezes at the cold eave and dams the meltwater, which then runs back under the shingles.
- The Minnesota Extension is clear that heat loss from the house, snow cover and outside temperature interact to form ice dams, and that insulation gaps and air leaks into the attic are the usual cause.
- The water reaching the ceiling started as snow, so it is clean, but wet insulation and drywall still have to be dried inside 24 to 48 hours.
Do this in the next five minutes
- Put a bucket under the drip and a towel on the floor. Poke a small hole in a bulging ceiling to let it drain into the bucket rather than spread.
- If you can do it from the ground, pull snow off the lower roof with a roof rake. The Extension says removing snow removes one ingredient of the dam.
- Move furniture and electronics away from the wet wall.
- Photograph the icicles, the eave and the interior stain.
- Call an ice dam removal or roofing company that uses steam. Ask before you book.
Do not
- Do not use a hammer, axe or ice pick on the dam. You will break shingles and you may come off the ladder.
- Do not spray hot water from inside the attic or rely on rock salt. The Extension calls channel-melting a temporary measure only.
- Do not repair the ceiling until the attic insulation and air sealing are fixed. The Extension says the damage will occur again otherwise.
Who to call
A roofing or ice dam removal company
Getting the ice off safely is roof work, done with steam. Drying the ceiling and wall is restoration, and fixing the attic heat loss is the permanent repair.
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What it should cost
$650 to $2,400
Ice dam removal, typical range, average $1,200. Steam removal is $800 to $2,400 in the same source.
Source: Angi, ice dam removal cost, updated July 2026. View source
National published range, not a quote for your job. The full cost table for this trade is on the roofing page.
Ask this contractor, on the phone, before anyone comes out
Tap each one as you ask it.
- Do you use steam, or a pressure washer or chemicals? (Steam is the method that does not damage shingles.)
- Are you insured for roof work, and can you email the certificate?
- Will you check the attic for wet insulation while you are here?
- Can you tell me where the heat is escaping, or do I need an energy audit for that?
End the call if
- A crew with hammers and no steamer.
- A quote to replace the roof to fix an ice dam, with no mention of attic insulation or ventilation.
- Anyone who wants to go up in high wind or on a roof still under snow.