Stop! Do NOT Let Anyone Use a Hammer or Pressure Washer on Your Roof
In Syracuse, heavy snow followed by fluctuating temperatures creates the perfect conditions for destructive ice dams. As heat escapes your attic, it melts the snow on your roof, which then refreezes at the cold eaves and gutters. This cycle forms a solid wall of ice that traps standing water, forcing it backward under your shingles and directly into your home’s structure.
At Iron Horse Gutterworks, we know that when ice and snow back up, the results can be devastating. The sheer weight of a frozen gutter is immense—a single foot of ice can weigh over 30 pounds. This massive load puts incredible strain on your home’s fascia and can cause gutters to warp, pull away, or collapse entirely.
The Iron Horse Way: Why We Use Steam
- Gentle Steam Technology: Our Arctic Steamer heats water to 290°F at very low pressure. It slices through ice like a hot knife through butter.
- Zero Roof Contact: The equipment never forcefully hits the roof surface. The steam does the work.
- A Meticulous Approach: Please keep in mind that professional steaming is a slower process depending on how much ice and snow has accumulated. We take the time to ensure every channel is clear and every shingle is preserved.
- Insurance Preferred: Most homeowner insurance prefers you steam it off rather than using mechanical force. It is a massive time saver for you and prevents the secondary damage caused by aggressive scraping or hammering.
The Wrong Way: Dangerous Methods to Avoid
- Hammers & Picks: Do NOT use a hammer or a pick to smash the ice off. These tools crack shingles instantly, voiding your roof warranty and causing immediate leaks.
- Pressure Washers: High pressure blasts the protective granules off your shingles, cutting their lifespan in half.
- Roof Melt Chemicals: These can stain your siding, kill the landscaping below, and corrode your aluminum gutters.
Our Emergency Ice Removal Process
Assessment
We identify the severity of the dam and locate active leak points.
Snow Clearing
We carefully remove excess snow to expose the ice and relieve weight.
Steam Cutting
We cut grid patterns into the ice dam to safely release its grip on the roof.
Flow Restoration
We steam clear channels in gutters and downspouts to ensure drainage.
Final Check
We verify the immediate threat to your interior is gone.
