How Do Ice Dams Form?

Ice Dam Removal on the Kenai Peninsula: What You Need to Know

As winter sets in across the Kenai Peninsula, many homeowners and renters face a common but often overlooked threat: ice dams. While they might look harmless at first, these thick ridges of ice can lead to serious property damage and even personal injury if left unchecked.

Whether you own your home or rent from someone else, understanding what ice dams are—and knowing when to act—can save you time, money, and stress.

What Are Ice Dams?

An ice dam is a buildup of ice that forms along the edge of your roof or in your gutters. As snow melts on the warmer parts of your roof, the water runs down and refreezes near the eaves—where temperatures are lower—creating a “dam” that traps water behind it.

Over time, this can lead to:

• Water backing up under shingles

• Leaks into walls, ceilings, and insulation

• Gutter damage or sagging

• Falling icicles or ice sheets

On the Kenai Peninsula, where snow and freeze-thaw cycles are common, ice dams are a recurring issue—especially for older homes or those with poor insulation or uneven roof temperatures.

Why Ice Dams Are a Problem

Ice dams aren’t just an eyesore. Left unaddressed, they can lead to:

• Roof leaks and interior water damage

• Mold and mildew growth inside walls and insulation

• Structural wood rot

• Gutter detachment or breakage

• Safety hazards from falling icicles or large sheets of ice

They’re also a liability. If a heavy sheet of ice slides off and hits a person or vehicle below, it could result in injury—or worse.

How to Tell If You Need Ice Dam Removal

Not sure if your home is at risk? Here are some warning signs:

• Icicles forming along the roofline or gutters

• Ice accumulating at roof edges or in valleys

• Water stains on ceilings or upper walls

• Sagging gutters or visible water damage on siding

• A steady drip of water on cold days

If you notice any of these, it’s time to take action.

How to Prevent Ice Dams in the First Place

While not all ice dams are preventable—especially during extreme weather—there are ways to reduce your risk:

• Ensure proper attic insulation and ventilation to keep roof temperatures even

• Seal air leaks around exhaust fans, chimneys, and access hatches

• Remove snow buildup from your roof after storms (safely or professionally)

• Keep gutters clean so melting snow has somewhere to go

• Install heat cables in problem areas if needed

Remember: prevention starts in the fall, but once the ice has formed, it’s best to call a professional.

Renters: What You Should Know

If you're renting, don’t ignore signs of ice dams. Notify your property manager right away and suggest calling Arctic Glass for professional removal. Ice dams can cause damage that you may be held responsible for if left unreported.

Schedule Professional Ice Dam Removal with Arctic Glass

At Arctic Glass Window Washing, we safely remove ice dams from roofs and gutters across the Kenai Peninsula using professional tools and techniques that protect your home, your roof, and everyone below.

Don’t wait for water damage or a close call—let us take care of it.

Schedule your service here.

Or call us at 907-912-0787 to speak with our team.