How Much Does Ice Dam Removal Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Removing ice dams costs homeowners an average of $1,200, with most paying between $400 and $4,000, depending on the size of the project. Factors like your roof's size, your chosen removal method, and specific risk factors can influence the cost. Budgeting for this project and hiring a professional can help protect your home from potential damage. 

Ice Dam Removal Cost Factors

Several factors affect how much you'll pay to remove ice dams from your roof, including your roof's size, the job's complexity, and the removal method you choose.

Roof Size

The size of your roof, including its square footage and your home's height, plays a significant role in the cost. Larger roofs mean more labor, which increases the price you'll pay.

Removal Method

There are several ice dam removal methods professionals employ to complete the job. These methods vary in cost and efficacy, with some applicable in specific scenarios.

Ice Dam Salt

When hiring a professional snow removal company, they often use salt to melt away the snow. The same goes for ice dams. Calcium chloride and potassium chloride are commonly used with other ice dam removal methods for $200 to $300, including materials and labor. It takes approximately two hours for a successful application.

Roof Melt Tablets

Applying roof melt tablets to remove ice dams costs $200 to $300, materials and labor included. If your dams are easily accessible, a pro tosses the tablets on the roof and avoids using a ladder, saving time and labor costs. All told, the application process takes one to two hours. These tablets are highly effective for smaller ice dams.

High-Pressure Water

This highly effective method costs $400 to $2,000 as pros use specialized equipment. The process takes two to five hours but results in the complete removal of both snow and ice from the roof. Potential drawbacks include tile and slate damage and leaks to unsealed roofs.

Steam

This method takes two to three hours, resulting in a total cost of approximately $800 to $2,100.

Physical Chipping

This method takes four to six hours to complete, resulting in a total cost of approximately $800–$1,500.

Labor Costs

Professionals who remove ice dams are experienced in handling dangerous, slippery conditions. They charge between $150 and $700 per hour, with most contractors having a two-hour minimum, even if the job takes less time. Since materials are minimal, labor makes up about 90% of your bill.

Additional Ice Dam Removal Cost Factors

Additional factors can affect the overall cost of removing ice dams, especially since this job often goes hand-in-hand with related services.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors influence the cost of ice dam removal. Heavy snowfall requires professionals to rake snow off larger roofs, adding about an hour to the job. Steep-pitched roofs increase costs due to the added risk and slower, more cautious work, extending labor by one to two hours. Obstacles like tree branches or debris must be cleared first, increasing expenses. Cold weather also slows the process, requiring more time and effort. Fragile roofs, such as glass or slate, demand extra care to prevent damage, adding one to two hours of labor.

Snow Removal

Removing snow from your roof costs between $250 and $500. Removal pros usually clear excess snow before tackling the ice dams, and this cost is often included in your overall project. However, if there's severe snowfall, you might pay extra.

Roof Damage Repair

Ice dams can cause different types of roof damage. Minor repairs, such as roof leak repair, cost an average of $900, while extensive repairs, including water damage repair, can range from $1,300 to $6,200, depending on the severity of the damage.

Prevention

Preventing ice dams is more cost-effective than removing them. Here are some ways to help prevent them from forming again after you've had them removed:

• Roof Heating Cables: Installing roof heating cables costs between $470 and $ 1,500 and can help prevent ice dams from melting snow before they accumulate.

• Cleaning and Clearing Gutters: Hiring a pro to clean your gutters costs an average of $160 per service and ensures proper water drainage, reducing the risk of ice dams.

DIY Ice Dam Removal vs. Hiring a Pro

Removing ice dams can be dangerous work that's best left to professionals. If you have a small roof and the ice dams are easy to reach, consider using melting tablets yourself. Otherwise, it's safer to call a qualified ice dam removal pro to handle the job.

Consider hiring a professional ice dam removal expert near you to ensure the job is done safely and effectively.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.