Ice Dams in Massachusetts: Causes, Prevention & Roof Fixes

Ice dams form when heat escaping into the attic melts roof snow, which refreezes at the cold eaves and backs meltwater up under the shingles into your ceilings and walls. The permanent fix is better attic insulation and ventilation plus ice-and-water shield — not just raking snow. RS Development Group solves ice dams at the source — call (774) 512-3176.

What causes ice dams?

The root cause is a warm roof deck. Heat leaking from the living space into the attic warms the middle of the roof, melting snow that then refreezes at the cold overhangs. That ridge of ice traps more meltwater, which finds its way under shingles and into the home. Cold, well-ventilated roofs don’t form serious ice dams.

How do you prevent ice dams permanently?

• Air-seal and insulate the attic floor so heat stays in the living space.
• Balance intake and exhaust ventilation so the roof deck stays cold.
• Install ice-and-water shield at the eaves and valleys during any re-roof.
• Correct flashing so any water that does form sheds away.

My ceiling is already leaking — what now?

Address the interior water first, then fix the cause. We assess ventilation, insulation, and the roof system together, document any damage for insurance, and repair or re-roof as needed so it doesn’t happen again next winter. Call (774) 512-3176.