Winter in Chicago can be brutal — freezing rain, lake-effect snow, and long stretches of below-zero temperatures are all part of the season. For homeowners, one of the most common cold-weather roofing problems is the formation of ice dams — thick ridges of ice that form along the roof’s edge and trap melting snow behind them.
Left unchecked, ice dams can cause serious damage to shingles, gutters, and even the inside of your home. But with a little preparation and attention to detail, you can prevent them before they start. Here’s what homeowners across Chicago, Evanston, Aurora, Des Plaines, and Lake Villa should know this winter.
What Are Ice Dams — and Why Do They Form?
An ice dam forms when heat from inside your home rises into the attic and warms the underside of your roof. This uneven heat causes the snow on the upper portion of the roof to melt, while the colder edges — especially over the eaves — stay frozen.
As the melted water runs down the roof, it refreezes at the edge, gradually forming a ridge of ice. That ridge traps more melting snow behind it, forcing water to back up under shingles and into the roof deck. The result? Leaks, soaked insulation, warped ceilings, and even mold growth.
It’s a problem we see every winter across the Chicago area, particularly in older homes or those with inadequate ventilation or insulation.
Keep Your Attic Properly Ventilated
One of the best ways to prevent ice dams is by ensuring your attic stays cold and well-ventilated. The goal is to keep the temperature of your roof as consistent as possible so snow doesn’t melt unevenly.
A properly ventilated attic allows cold air to flow in through the soffits and warm air to escape through the ridge vents. This balance reduces heat buildup and prevents snow from melting prematurely.
At Sammy’s Roofing, we inspect attic spaces during winter service calls and often find blocked vents or insufficient ventilation as a main cause of recurring ice dams. Fixing these airflow issues is a simple, cost-effective way to protect your roof for the long term.
Check Your Insulation Levels
Even with good ventilation, poor insulation can still cause heat to escape from your living spaces into the attic. Insulation acts as a barrier that keeps warm air inside your home — and out of your roof system.
Adding or upgrading insulation in your attic helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reduces energy costs, and keeps your roof deck from heating up unevenly. We often recommend this for homes in Evanston and Aurora, where older houses may not meet modern insulation standards.
If you notice that snow melts quickly off certain areas of your roof while staying in others, that’s a sign your insulation may need attention.
Keep Gutters Clean and Functioning
Clean gutters are a surprisingly important part of ice dam prevention. When gutters are clogged with leaves, twigs, or ice, melted snow has nowhere to go. It pools at the edge of your roof — exactly where ice dams tend to form.
Before the heart of winter sets in, make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear. If they’re sagging, rusted, or not draining properly, it might be time for a professional replacement. Sammy’s Roofing offers gutter repair and installation throughout Des Plaines, Lake Villa, and the greater Chicago suburbs, helping homeowners keep their drainage systems working all year long.
Safely Remove Snow After Major Storms
When a heavy snowstorm hits, removing excess snow from your roof can help prevent ice buildup. However, safety comes first — avoid climbing onto the roof yourself. A roof rake with a long extension handle is a safer option for pulling snow down from the edges while standing on the ground.
If your home has a steep roof or if ice has already begun to form, it’s best to call a professional. Sammy’s Roofing offers safe, efficient snow and ice removal services to help protect your roof from damage during the toughest winter months.
Address Roof and Flashing Repairs Early
Existing roof damage can make your home more vulnerable to ice dams. Cracked flashing, missing shingles, or deteriorated sealant give water an easy entry point once it begins to back up behind ice.
Scheduling a winter roof inspection allows our team to catch and repair these weak spots before they lead to bigger problems. Whether it’s a few shingles or a more extensive issue, taking care of repairs promptly helps ensure your roof can handle Chicago’s snow and ice without incident.
Protect Your Roof This Winter with Sammy’s Roofing
Ice dams may be common in the Midwest, but they’re not inevitable. With the right maintenance and a proactive approach, you can keep your roof safe, your home dry, and your heating bills under control all winter long.
At Sammy’s Roofing, we help homeowners throughout Chicago, Evanston, Aurora, Des Plaines, and Lake Villa prepare their homes for whatever winter brings. From attic inspections and insulation upgrades to roof repairs and snow removal, our team is ready to help you prevent ice dams before they start.
📞 Call Sammy’s Roofing today to schedule your winter roof inspection and make sure your home is ready for the season ahead.
