Ice Dams in Denver

Denver’s winters bring beautiful snowfalls, intense sunshine even on cold days, and dramatic temperature swings — all of which create the perfect recipe for ice dams. These ridges of ice along your roof’s edge might look harmless (or even picturesque with those long icicles), but they can cause serious damage, including interior leaks, water stains on ceilings, damaged insulation, and costly roof repairs.

At Ernie’s Roofing, a family-owned roofing contractor serving the Denver metro area since 1978, we’ve helped countless homeowners address ice dam-related issues through roof repairs, replacements, gutter services, and emergency response. With over 40 years of local experience, we know Denver’s unique high-altitude climate makes ice dams a recurring challenge for many homes.

What Exactly Is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam forms when heat from inside your home escapes into the attic, warming the roof deck enough to melt snow on upper portions of the roof. The meltwater runs down toward the colder eaves and gutters, where it refreezes because those edges stay below freezing (thanks to shade, less sun exposure, and cold air). This creates a barrier of ice that blocks further runoff.

Additional melted snow backs up behind the dam, pooling and eventually seeping under shingles, through nail holes, or into roof valleys. Water then enters your home, leading to leaks, mold risks, and structural damage. In Denver, our mile-high sunshine intensifies daytime melting, while nighttime drops refreeze it — making ice dams more frequent and severe than in some other areas.

Why Are Denver Homes Especially Prone to Ice Dams?

Denver’s climate plays a big role:

• Intense sun at altitude — Even on sub-freezing days, solar radiation melts snow quickly on south-facing or exposed roof sections.
• Freeze-thaw cycles — Daytime highs in the 30s–40s°F followed by nights in the teens or single digits create repeated melting and refreezing.
• Heavy snow accumulation — Snow acts as an insulator, trapping heat below and accelerating uneven melting.
• Common roof features — Older homes or those with poor ventilation/insulation are hit hardest, but even newer roofs can develop issues if not properly designed for our conditions.

Signs of an ice dam include:

• Long icicles hanging from the eaves (beyond normal buildup).
• Ice ridges covering gutters.
• Water stains or drips on interior ceilings/walls during or after snow.
• Ice buildup inside gutters or along roof edges.

How to Prevent Ice Dams in Denver

Prevention is far better (and cheaper) than dealing with the aftermath. Focus on keeping your roof cold and even in temperature:

1. Improve attic insulation and ventilation — This is the #1 long-term fix. Proper insulation (aim for R-38 or higher) and balanced ventilation (soffit + ridge vents) keep heat from reaching the roof deck, reducing melt.
2. Seal air leaks — Caulk gaps around pipes, wires, attic hatches, and recessed lights to stop warm air escape.
3. Clear snow when safe — Use a roof rake from the ground to remove excess snow buildup, especially near edges.
4. Maintain gutters — Keep them debris-free for proper drainage; consider larger or heated options if issues recur.
5. Install protective features — During roof replacement or repair, add ice and water shield (self-adhering membrane) at eaves, valleys, and penetrations — a Denver building code requirement in vulnerable areas.
6. Consider heat solutions — Heated roof cables (in zigzag along edges) can melt channels through ice, though they’re more of a band-aid.

Short-term fixes like ice melt pucks or professional steaming can help active dams, but avoid chipping ice yourself — it risks damaging shingles.

What to Do If You Already Have Ice Dam Damage

If you’re seeing leaks or stains, don’t wait for spring thaw — water damage worsens quickly. Call a professional for safe removal and inspection.