Why Ice Builds on Illinois Roofs — And How to Stop It Before Damage Occurs
Seeing ice on your roof is common during Illinois winters, but it shouldn’t be ignored. Roof ice—especially when it forms repeatedly—is often a sign of poor insulation, heat loss, or clogged gutters. Left untreated, it can lead to water infiltration and expensive repairs.
How Heat Loss Creates Ice Dams
Warm air from inside your home rises into the attic, warming the roof from beneath. This melts snow, even on freezing days. When the melted water reaches the colder lower edge of the roof, it refreezes. The cycle continues until a full ice dam develops.
This trapped water has nowhere to go except under the shingles, where it can seep into the attic and eventually the living space.
Gutters Play a Bigger Role Than You Think
Blocked or frozen gutters cause water to pool rather than drain. Many Northern IL homeowners report seeing ice in gutters long before they notice problems on the roof itself. Once the gutters are full of ice, new snowmelt has nowhere to travel—and that’s when roof ice thickens quickly.
The Importance of Professional Ice Dam Removal
Homeowners sometimes try to break off ice or chip away at frozen sections, but doing so can cause major damage to shingles, gutters, and the underlying roof structure. Bufalo Contracting uses specialized equipment that melts the ice safely without harming roofing materials.
- Preventing Ice Buildup Starts with Maintenance
- Keep roof edges clear with regular roof raking
- Ensure gutters are open before snowfall
- Improve attic insulation and ventilation
- Watch for early signs like icicles or uneven roof snow
Staying proactive is the best way to protect your home from winter roofing problems
