Winter in Joliet has a way of settling in and staying awhile. Snow blankets rooftops, temperatures dip below freezing, and homeowners focus on keeping their families warm inside. But while you’re comfortable indoors, your roof may be facing a quiet winter challenge: ice dams.
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that can form along the edge of your Joliet roof. It happens when heat from inside your home warms the roof deck, causing snow to melt. That melted snow flows downward until it reaches the colder eaves, where it refreezes. Over time, this cycle builds up a thick band of ice. As more snow melts behind it, water can back up beneath shingles and into your home.
In our part of Illinois, where temperatures often fluctuate between freezing and thawing, ice dams are not uncommon. And while they may look harmless from the ground, they can lead to leaks, damaged shingles, stained ceilings, and compromised insulation if left unaddressed.
At Great Roofing, we’ve seen how winter conditions impact Joliet homes year after year. Our approach is steady and practical: understand the cause, prevent what you can, and address problems thoroughly when they arise.
Why Ice Dams Form in Joliet
Ice dams are rarely caused by snow alone. They’re typically the result of uneven roof temperatures. Several factors contribute:
- Insufficient attic insulation
- Poor attic ventilation
- Air leaks that allow warm air to get into your attic
- Heavy snowfall followed by sunny or slightly warmer days
When attic spaces aren’t properly insulated or ventilated, heat escapes upward. That heat warms sections of the roof, creating the melt-and-refreeze cycle that leads to ice buildup along the eaves.
Homes with asphalt shingles, whether architectural, premium, or impact-resistant, can all be vulnerable if ventilation and insulation are not balanced. Even low-slope roofing systems like granulated modified bitumen can experience ice-related issues when water has nowhere to drain.
Preventing Ice Dams Before They Start
The most effective ice dam solution is prevention. Addressing the root cause helps protect your roof and your home’s interior for the long term.
1. Improve Attic Insulation
A properly insulated attic helps maintain a consistent roof temperature. When warm air from living spaces is kept where it belongs, snow on the roof melts more evenly and is less likely to refreeze at the edges.
If your home has older insulation or uneven coverage, it may be worth evaluating before winter sets in again.
2. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Ventilation helps cold air to circulate through the attic, helping maintain a consistent temperature across the roof surface. Ridge vents, soffit vents, and other systems work together to prevent warm air buildup.
Balanced ventilation is not about making your attic cold; it’s about keeping roof temperatures stable so ice dams are less likely to form.
3. Keep Gutters Clear
Clogged gutters can make ice dam problems that much worse. When water cannot drain properly, it freezes more quickly along the roof edge.
Seamless gutters and properly installed gutter guards can reduce debris buildup and allow meltwater to flow away from the home more efficiently. For many Joliet homeowners, this simple step makes a meaningful difference during winter.
What to Do If You Already Have an Ice Dam
If you notice large icicles forming, ice buildup along the roofline, or water stains inside your home, it’s important to proceed carefully.
Attempting to chip away ice yourself can damage shingles and create more costly repairs. Climbing onto an icy roof also poses serious safety risks.
A measured response is always best.
Safe Ice Dam Removal
Professional removal focuses on relieving pressure and allowing trapped water to drain safely, without harming the roofing system. Emergency roof repairs may also be necessary if water has already penetrated beneath the shingles.
At Great Roofing, our emergency response services include leak mitigation, protective tarping when needed, and a thorough assessment of any underlying damage. Our goal is not just to address the immediate issue, but to restore the integrity of the entire roofing system.
Addressing Damage After the Ice Melts
Ice dams can loosen shingles, damage underlayment, and compromise flashing. Once temperatures rise, a comprehensive inspection helps identify any areas that require repair.
For some homeowners, the solution may involve targeted roof repairs. For others, particularly if the roof is aging or has experienced repeated winter damage, a more comprehensive plan may be recommended.
We provide residential roofing services that include architectural and impact-resistant asphalt shingles, as well as low-slope systems where appropriate. Every recommendation is grounded in long-term protection, not short-term patchwork.
If water intrusion has occurred, insurance may play a role in restoration. We assist homeowners with insurance claims, working directly with providers to simplify the process and help ensure fair settlements. It’s one less burden for you to carry during an already stressful time.
A Steady Approach to Winter Roofing Challenges
Ice dams are a seasonal concern, but their impact can extend well beyond winter if ignored. Prevention through insulation and ventilation improvements, proactive gutter maintenance, and timely professional intervention all work together to protect your home.
As a family-owned and operated company with multiple generations in the roofing industry, Great Roofing understands the specific challenges Joliet homeowners face. From aging roof systems to storm-related damage and winter ice buildup, we’ve addressed it all with consistency and care.
We believe in clear communication, thorough workmanship, and treating every homeowner as a long-term partner, not just a project.
If you’re concerned about ice dams, winter roof damage, or simply want peace of mind before the next snowfall, we’re here to help. Contact Great Roofing for a complimentary estimate and an honest evaluation of your home. We’ll walk you through your options calmly and clearly, so you can move forward with confidence and a roof that’s ready for whatever winter brings.