Ice Dams in Rochester, NY: What This Week’s Weather Can Do to Your Roof
If you’re seeing a lot of snow mixed with sleet/freezing rain, you’re in the exact setup that creates fast, nasty ice dams. Rochester’s forecast includes periods of rain/snow/freezing rain/sleet with temps hovering around freezing, which is the classic “melt by day, refreeze at night” cycle that builds ice at the roof edge.
An ice dam isn’t just “big icicles.” It’s a ridge of ice at the eaves that traps water behind it. That trapped water can back up under shingles and end up in your insulation, drywall, trim, and ceilings.
If you suspect an ice dam forming, calling early matters—removal is safer and damage is cheaper before you have active leaking.
What an Ice Dam Actually Is (and Why Rochester Gets Them)
Ice dams form when:
Heat escapes into the attic/roof deck, melting snow higher up the roof.
Meltwater runs down to the colder eaves, where it refreezes.
Ice builds up into a ridge that blocks drainage, forcing water back under shingles.
Two big drivers are air leaks + not enough insulation/ventilation in the attic. The National Weather Service notes that adequate attic insulation and airflow help keep the roof cold and reduce the freeze/thaw cycle that creates ice dams.
Building-science guidance also emphasizes that air sealing + insulation + ventilation together are what reduce ice-dam risk (not just one of them).
Why This Snow–Ice Mix Makes It Worse Right Now
When you get snow followed by sleet/freezing rain:
Snow acts like a sponge and holds water.
Sleet/freezing rain adds a hard icy crust that refreezes fast.
Near-freezing temps keep the roof cycling between melt and refreeze.
That’s why you can go from “roof looks fine” to big icicles and interior stains in a short window—especially with the current mixed-precip setup in the Rochester forecast.
Warning Signs Homeowners Should Not Ignore
Outside signs:
Icicles forming in thick rows along gutters/eaves
A visible ice ridge at the roof edge
Gutters frozen solid or water spilling over the edge during thaws
Inside signs:
Water staining on ceilings/walls near exterior edges
Damp insulation smell, musty odors, or visible attic moisture
Peeling paint, bubbling drywall, or wet trim
Ice dams can lead to leaks, wet insulation, wood rot, and mold-friendly conditions if water keeps backing up.
What You Can Do Today (Safe, Practical Steps)
Remove roof-edge snow from the ground (best quick win)Use a roof rake to pull the first 3–6 feet of snow off the roof edge (only from the ground—no ladder on ice). This reduces meltwater feeding the dam.
Clear downspouts discharge areas. Make sure downspouts aren’t dumping into an ice pile right at the foundation/walkway. Keep discharge paths open where possible.
The Fastest “Damage-Prevention” Move: Professional Ice Dam Removal
If you have:
Active leaking
A thick ice ridge
Heavy icicles and frozen gutters
A history of ice dams in the same spot
…professional removal is usually the safest option. Industry home-protection guidance points to mitigation steps like improving insulation/ventilation and addressing warm-air leakage as the longer-term fix, with immediate actions to reduce ongoing damage.
Long-Term Fix: Stop Feeding the Dam
If ice dams happen repeatedly, the real fix is typically in the attic:
Air seal ceiling penetrations (lights, bath fans, attic hatches, top plates)
Add/upgrade attic insulation
Ensure continuous soffit-to-ridge ventilation where the roof design allows
The National Weather Service specifically highlights attic insulation and airflow as key factors in preventing/minimizing ice dams.
Building-science resources reinforce that the system approach (air sealing + insulation + ventilation) is what works reliably in cold climates.
When to Call (Rule of Thumb)
Call now if:
You see ice ridges at the eaves
You have icicles + warming temps + refreeze nights
You notice any interior staining, drips, or attic moisture
With Rochester’s current mixed precipitation and near-freezing pattern, waiting often turns “small problem” into “ceiling repair.”
Nearby towns: Webster, NY, Penfield, NY
