Ice Damming & Rooftop Snow Removal

Ice dams are among the most destructive and misunderstood winter roof hazards in Canada. MKT Roofing & Exteriors provides professional ice dam removal and rooftop snow management — and the structural solutions that eliminate ice dams permanently.

Ice Damming & Snow project completed by MKT Roofing & Exteriors

Ice damming & winter roofing in Ontario

Southern and Central Ontario experience an average of 25–50 freeze-thaw events per winter — the primary climatic driver of ice-dam formation.

Environment and Climate Change Canada, Climate Normals 1991–2020

Unaddressed ice-dam water infiltration can grow mould within 24–48 hours in saturated insulation — a health and structural risk that compounds each winter.

Health Canada Indoor Air Quality Guidelines

Heating cables consume 12–20 watts per linear foot — adding $100–$300+ to a winter electricity bill annually without resolving the underlying insulation problem.

Ontario Energy Board electricity rate modelling, 2024

Prevention vs. reaction

Approach	Cost	Effectiveness	Root cause?
Heat cables	$400–$1,500 installed	Low–Medium	No — symptoms only
Roof snow removal	$200–$600 / event	Medium — removes source	No
Professional ice-dam removal	$300–$800 / event	High — removes active dam	No
Attic insulation upgrade (R-60)	$1,500–$5,000	Very high	Yes — eliminates formation
Insulation + soffit ventilation	$2,000–$6,000	Highest	Yes — complete solution

Warning signs of ice damming

Thick, persistent icicles at the eaves that don’t melt with the upper roof
Water staining on interior ceilings or walls near exterior walls
Paint bubbling or peeling below the roofline
Eavestroughs pulling away from the fascia under ice load
Ice visible at the roof edge while the upper roof surface is clear

Short-term: professional snow removal

Safe rooftop snow removal reduces structural load and eliminates the melt source feeding ice dams. We use non-damaging roof-rake and controlled removal techniques that clear the surface without abrading shingles or dislodging flashing — a critical distinction from DIY approaches.

Long-term: eliminating the root cause

The only permanent fix is correcting attic heat loss through proper insulation (R-50–60) and soffit ventilation. Together these maintain a uniform, cold roof temperature — preventing the warm-cold differential at the eaves that drives ice-dam formation.

Existing infiltration needs prompt attention. We assess shingle integrity, decking moisture, flashing condition and insulation saturation, documenting everything for insurance. Ice-dam damage is typically covered under Ontario homeowner’s policies when the originating storm event is documented.

Ready to protect your home?

Get a free, no-obligation written quote for your ice damming & snow project from our own licensed crew.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the most effective long-term solution for ice dams?

Upgrading attic insulation to R-50–60 and ensuring proper soffit ventilation. This keeps the roof deck uniformly cold, preventing the melt-refreeze cycle entirely.

Are heating cables a good ice-dam solution?

They provide temporary symptom management but don’t address the underlying cause and add ongoing energy costs. Insulation is a better long-term investment in virtually every case.

Is ice-dam damage covered by insurance?

Most Ontario homeowner’s policies cover ice-dam water infiltration as a sudden or accidental loss. Pre-existing deferred maintenance may affect coverage. We provide detailed documentation to support claims.

How much snow accumulation is dangerous for a roof?

Most Ontario roofs are engineered for the OBC minimum 1.0 kPa snow load, but exposed properties and older structures may be at risk with accumulations above 18–24 inches on flat sections.

Get in touch

Get a free ice damming & snow quote

Tell us about your roof or exterior project and we’ll get back to you with a free, no-obligation written quote. No pressure, no subcontractors — just an honest assessment from our own crew.

(705) 279-1774
Call or text — same-day for emergencies [email protected]202 Yeates Ave, Barrie, ON L4N 4C6
Also serving from Baseline Rd, Severn, ON P0E 1N0Follow us on Facebook