Is ice dam removal worth it?

• <div><p>Ice dam removal is costly, but it’s absolutely worth it. If you leave an ice dam as is and don’t take care of it, you’re looking at potentially dangerous situations and high-cost repairs—like roof collapse, leaks, mold problems, gutter damage, and more. Removing ice dams is essential to keeping your home and your family safe in the snowy season.</p></div>

Top-rated roof ice and snow removal pros.

Get matched with top roof ice and snow removal pros in Elrod, AL

Q: Is ice dam removal worth it?

• <div><p>Ice dam removal is costly, but it&rsquo;s absolutely worth it. If you leave an ice dam as is and don&rsquo;t take care of it, you&rsquo;re looking at potentially dangerous situations and high-cost repairs&mdash;like roof collapse, leaks, mold problems, gutter damage, and more. Removing ice dams is essential to keeping your home and your family safe in the snowy season.</p></div>

Q: Do roof rakes cause ice dams?

• <div><p>Roof raking helps clear snowfall from your roof and, in turn, you hope that this prevents ice dams. But can roof raking actually cause them? Generally, no, it cannot. But you should note that while, in some cases, you might successfully prevent ice dams from forming near the edge of your roof by keeping it cleared with a roof rake, they could still form higher up on the roof, where you are unable to reach. This may leave you wondering: <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/does-roof-raking-prevent-ice-dams.htm">Does roof raking prevent ice dams</a>? While it is not a 100% guaranteed way to prevent them, it does help.</p></div>

Q: What is the best way to remove snow from your roof?

• <div><p>There are several <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/tips-removing-snow-and-ice-your-roof.htm">ways to remove snow from your roof</a>: using a snow rake, salting the roof with calcium chloride, using a rope (cautiously), and using heating cables. It&rsquo;s important to mention that pretty, fluffy, sparkling snow weighs a great deal, and when physically removing snow from a roof, you should be aware of large snow slabs breaking off. These can weigh hundreds of pounds and are a real danger, so be extremely careful anytime you&rsquo;re doing this type of work. </p></div>

Q: How do I know what size of snowblower to get?

• <div><p>Snowblowers come in <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-snow-blower.htm">three different sizes</a>: first-, second-, and third-stage blowers. Each additional stage is larger with higher intakes, more powerful, and has more gear options.</p><p>A first-stage blower, also called a snow thrower, is usually best for snow 6 to 8 inches or below. Electric snow blowers are usually only available in this size. If you regularly get snow that&rsquo;s well above six inches, consider a second-stage snow blower. If snowstorms dump 2 to 3 feet of snow repeatedly during winter, you need a third-stage snow blower to tackle it.</p></div>

Q: Can I put salt on my roof for ice dams?

• <div><p>It is not advisable to use salt on your roof to prevent or remove ice dams. It&rsquo;s not only mostly ineffective but can also cause serious damage to your roof itself. Salt can rust metal, damage masonry, pit shingles, and cause runoff that&rsquo;s damaging to plants and animals. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Roof Ice And Snow Removal pros in Elrod, AL

*The Angi rating for Roof Ice And Snow Removal companies in Elrod, AL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Roof Ice And Snow Removal needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Roof Ice And Snow Removal companies in Elrod, AL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Roof Ice And Snow Removal needs.

Last update on November 16, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
Our deck needed to be replaced. The crew was terrific. They were on time, finished the deck in one day, removed the wood from the old deck & will be returning to stain our new deck. I would most definitely work with this company again...
Rainier Construction
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Reviewed in May 2025
Do not use this company! In April 2025, a serviceman came out to repair my refrigerator ice-maker, the part needed ordered so I paid and awaited them to contact me. Several days later, there was standing water in the kitchen floor, under the cabinets and in the exterior wall. I took photos and...
Christie's Appliance
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Reviewed in December 2022
Accessed my problem one day ( broke spring ) Was told the part had to be overnighted & they would be out @ 11 a:m the next day. Also was told to move a few things from the front of the garage. The next morning I removed those items & waited . I called approximately 10 times with no answer. Got a...
LELAND GARAGE DOOR'S & OPENERS
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Reviewed in September 2022
"I highly recommend Mighty Dog Roofing! Justin Morris and his entire crew were friendly and professional from start to finish. They were on time and did Excellent work!!!"
Mighty Dog Roofing of Nashville West
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Reviewed in June 2022
Dan S. and Kaleb were very professional and did an excellent job with removing my existing windows and installing the new ones. J-285091
West Shore Home Ocala
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Reviewed in September 2017
I have a puppy that accidently soiled my carpet. I had tried everything to remove it and could not. Also other stains. W & S did a very good job in a timely manor. I was very pleased.
W & S Professional Carpet Cleaning
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Reviewed in April 2017
Mike and his apprentice arrived on time and the job was completed quickly. They removed the old water heater from the basement and left the work areas clean. We were very happy with the quality of work.
Bush Plumbing LLC
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Reviewed in November 2015
Mark Cook expected to fix a vent pipe which had caused a small leak in our bathroom ceiling. Once up on the roof, he discovered extensive hail damage and suggested we call our insurance company. He was present when the adjuster arrived and answered all the questions. As soon as the insurance...
Cook Roofing Co.
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Reviewed in September 2014
I had called Mr. Hawthorne to look at a section of my roof that had been leaking. After inspecting it, he informed me that the entire section of roof had been installed incorrectly, and that it needed to be replaced. His estimate was 1500.00. He performed the service and the roof seemed fine...
HAWTHORNE CONSTRUCTION CO
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Reviewed in March 2014
We saw water spots on our bedroom ceiling. We called several roofers and none of them showed up to look at it. I joined Angie's List and found Mr. Clean. He came out and inspected the roof and told us that a couple of our boots had holes in them. He immediately fixed them and now our roof no...
Mr. Clean Handyman Service
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Find Roof ice and snow removal pros in Elrod

Southern Roofing and Renovations

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Southern Roofing and Renovations

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Free onsite estimate

We do anything from new construction to simple repairs, with a focus on roofing. Owens Corning Roofing PLATINUM Preferred Contractor! Only contractor in Mississippi that offers an Owens Corning 50-year shingle warrantee! Proudly partnered with Ole Miss University! Give me a call today for all your residential or commercial roofing and building / home care needs, let's see how fast I can have a crew within your four walls!

Alabama Re-Roof

3.00(

)

Alabama Re-Roof

3.00(

)

21 years of experience

We accept credit cards, cash, and checks. We offer free inspections and vent upgrade with complete re-roofs.

Roof Ice and Snow Removal questions, answered by experts

Ice dam removal is costly, but it’s absolutely worth it. If you leave an ice dam as is and don’t take care of it, you’re looking at potentially dangerous situations and high-cost repairs—like roof collapse, leaks, mold problems, gutter damage, and more. Removing ice dams is essential to keeping your home and your family safe in the snowy season.

Roof raking helps clear snowfall from your roof and, in turn, you hope that this prevents ice dams. But can roof raking actually cause them? Generally, no, it cannot. But you should note that while, in some cases, you might successfully prevent ice dams from forming near the edge of your roof by keeping it cleared with a roof rake, they could still form higher up on the roof, where you are unable to reach. This may leave you wondering: Does roof raking prevent ice dams? While it is not a 100% guaranteed way to prevent them, it does help.

There are several ways to remove snow from your roof: using a snow rake, salting the roof with calcium chloride, using a rope (cautiously), and using heating cables. It’s important to mention that pretty, fluffy, sparkling snow weighs a great deal, and when physically removing snow from a roof, you should be aware of large snow slabs breaking off. These can weigh hundreds of pounds and are a real danger, so be extremely careful anytime you’re doing this type of work.

Snowblowers come in three different sizes: first-, second-, and third-stage blowers. Each additional stage is larger with higher intakes, more powerful, and has more gear options.

A first-stage blower, also called a snow thrower, is usually best for snow 6 to 8 inches or below. Electric snow blowers are usually only available in this size. If you regularly get snow that’s well above six inches, consider a second-stage snow blower. If snowstorms dump 2 to 3 feet of snow repeatedly during winter, you need a third-stage snow blower to tackle it.

It is not advisable to use salt on your roof to prevent or remove ice dams. It’s not only mostly ineffective but can also cause serious damage to your roof itself. Salt can rust metal, damage masonry, pit shingles, and cause runoff that’s damaging to plants and animals.

The Elrod, AL homeowners’ guide to roof ice and snow removal services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Angi
•
Oct 19, 2025Oct 19, 2025
How Much Does Roof Snow Removal Cost? [2025 Data]
Discover the average cost of roof snow removal, key price factors, and ways to save. Get transparent estimates to protect your home this winter.
Angi
•
Aug 15, 2025Aug 15, 2025
How Much Does Roof Heating Cable Installation Cost? [2025 Data]
Discover the average roof heating cable installation cost, key price factors, and how to budget for your project. Learn how to save and what to expect.
Em Norton
•
Oct 7, 2024Oct 7, 2024
Breaking the Ice: Should You Knock Down Icicles?
Winter’s icy chandeliers can pose more of a hazard than you might think. So should you knock down icicles or let them disappear with warmer weather? Find out here.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Aug 30, 2024Aug 30, 2024
Can Ice Dams Form on Metal Roofs?
Ice dams can cause serious roof damage. Learn why a metal roof can help you avoid ice dams and the problems they cause.
Stephanie Mickelson
•
Sep 23, 2024Sep 23, 2024
How to Install Snow Guards on a Metal Roof Properly
In areas that see heavy snowfall, understanding how to install snow guards on a metal roof is important for protecting people, property, and the roof itself.
Kate Fann
•
Sep 12, 2024Sep 12, 2024
Should I Remove Snow From My Roof?
Should I remove snow from my roof? This is a common question for homeowners during the colder months. Find out when and how to tackle the job safely this winter.