Free Assessment
We check the ice dam, the roof edge and any leaks inside, and give you a price before we start
Ottawa Ice Dam Removal and Prevention
Safe ice dam removal that clears a path for meltwater without hammering at your shingles or eavestroughs, plus the fixes that stop ice dams coming back.
Ice Dam Removal Specialists for Ottawa Homes
Ice dam removal in Ottawa is a winter job you want done right the first time. When a ridge of ice builds along your eaves, meltwater backs up under the shingles and into your walls and ceilings. Vanity Roofing removes ice dams safely for homeowners across Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley, by carving channels through the ice so meltwater can drain off the roof and using roof melt to open up the dam, without bashing at the shingles or eavestroughs. You can see how we do it on our YouTube channel.
Our crews deal with Ottawa’s freeze-thaw cycles every winter, and we offer 24/7 emergency response when water is already coming inside.
Ice dams usually start in the attic, where escaping heat melts snow on the roof deck. Upgrading your attic insulation and fixing roof ventilation stops them at the source, and our article on whether roof heating cables work in Ottawa covers one common prevention method. We install heat cables too, and we will tell you honestly whether they are likely to help on your roof.
Protect Your Home from Winter’s Hidden Threat
Ice dams are one of the most damaging winter problems Ottawa homeowners face. They form when heat escaping from the attic warms the roof deck, snow melts and runs down to the cold eaves, then refreezes into a ridge of ice. That ridge blocks drainage and forces meltwater back under your shingles, and the damage builds every time the temperature swings around zero.
Ice dams can lead to:
Water seeping beneath shingles and into ceilings or walls
Soaked roof decking, insulation and attic framing
Hazardous falling ice that puts people and property at risk
Eavestroughs bent or torn off by the weight of ice, and damaged soffits
Mould growth caused by moisture trapped inside your home
With Ottawa’s freeze-thaw cycles, acting early is the difference between a quick removal and a ceiling repair.
Why Choose Vanity Roofing for Ice Dam Removal
We offer a full range of winter roof services, from safe ice dam removal and roof snow removal to repairing the leaks and damage ice dams leave behind, and clearing heavy snow before it can feed new ice dams. If water is already coming through the ceiling, our roof repair team can stop it and fix the source.
Safe Removal
We carve channels through the ice and use roof melt instead of hammers or axes, so your shingles, flashing and eavestroughs stay intact.
Fully Insured
Fully insured with $5 million in liability coverage and WSIB, so you are protected while we work on your roof.
Experienced Technicians
Roofers, not snow-clearing crews, who know how to work safely on an icy roof and can spot the damage ice leaves behind.
Preventative Solutions
We find out why the ice dam formed, from attic insulation and ventilation to clogged eavestroughs, and tell you how to stop it.
How Ice Dam Removal Works
Custom Solution
A removal plan for your roof, including any heavy snow that needs clearing first
Safe Removal
We carve channels through the ice dam and use roof melt so the water can drain, without hammering at the roof
Prevention Planning
We look at your attic insulation, ventilation and eavestroughs and recommend the fix that stops it coming back
Signs You Need Ice Dam Removal in Ottawa
Catching an ice dam early can save you a roof repair and a ceiling repair. Here is what to look for outside, inside and up in the attic.
Exterior Warning Signs
Large Icicles Along Roof Edges
- Multiple icicles forming along your eaves
- Icicles thicker than 5-7cm (2-3 inches) in diameter
- Ice formations that extend up onto the roof surface
- Icicles concentrated over heated rooms and not elsewhere
Visible Ice Buildup
- Ice masses at roof edges or in valleys
- Frozen ridges or walls of ice along roof edges
- Ice-filled or overflowing eavestroughs
- Ice pushing up under shingles
- Ice dams extending several inches or feet onto the roof
Eavestrough and Drainage Issues
- Blocked or frozen downspouts
- Eavestroughs pulling away from the fascia under the weight of ice
- Water not draining properly during winter thaws
- Icicles hanging straight off the eavestroughs
Interior Warning Signs
Water Damage
- Water stains on interior walls or ceilings
- Damp or discoloured drywall, especially near exterior walls
- Peeling or bubbling paint around windows or doors
- Water dripping from ceiling joints or light fixtures
- Wet window frames or sills
Attic Problems
- Damp or compressed insulation
- Frost or moisture on roof sheathing
- Wet rafters or roof decking
- Cold drafts and frost on upper-floor windows
- Visible daylight through roof boards
Structural Concerns
- Sagging roof sections
- Cracked or damaged plaster
- Warped flooring in rooms below ice dams
- Rotting wood around windows or doors
- Musty odours indicating potential mould growth
Additional Warning Signs
Timing Signs
- Problems occurring after heavy snowfall
- Issues developing during freeze-thaw cycles
- Symptoms appearing when temperatures hover around freezing
- Problems worsening during sunny days with snow-covered roofs
Clues on the Roof
- Uneven snow melt patterns on your roof
- Bare spots on an otherwise snow-covered roof
- Steam or vapor rising from certain roof areas
- Icicles forming behind ice and snow buildup
Don’t ignore these warning signs. They mean your roof needs attention now. Ice dams can cause extensive damage in a matter of days, leading to costly repairs and potential safety hazards.
Call Us Right Away If You See
- Large ice formations threatening to fall
- Active water leakage into your home
- Visible roof damage or deformation
- Cracking sounds from roof or gutters
- Interior water damage progression
Get Ice Dam Removal in Ottawa Today
Don’t wait for an ice dam to push water through your ceiling. Contact Vanity Roofing today for a free, no-obligation estimate on ice dam removal, or call us at 613-851-4448. We offer 24/7 emergency response across Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley.
An Ice Dam Removal Team Ottawa Homeowners Trust
Vanity Roofing has built its reputation on proven results, long-term warranties, and referrals from satisfied customers across Ottawa. As the largest installer of CertainTeed® roofing products in Ottawa and a Select ShingleMaster™ in the top 1% nationwide, we’re able to register CertainTeed’s 5-Star Warranty, covering materials and labour for up to 50 years and workmanship for up to 25 years on qualifying shingle systems. That level of protection reflects the quality of our installations and the confidence we stand behind.
Our commitment to excellence is further reinforced by an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and recognition as Best Roofing Contractor in Ottawa by ThreeBestRated every year since 2019. We’re also certified by the Vinyl Siding Institute and recognized as a James Hardie Elite Contractor, ensuring the same high standards across all exterior services. From roofing to siding, we communicate clearly at every stage of your project and deliver workmanship built to last, so you can feel confident your home or business is protected by one of Ottawa’s most trusted exterior contractors.
Winter Roof Services You Can Trust
Vanity Roofing’s reputation is built on referrals from satisfied customers. We communicate with you at every stage, from the first look at the ice to the final check of your roof. As one of the largest residential roofing companies in Ottawa, we treat every winter call with the same care as a full roof replacement. View our testimonials to see what our clients say.