Ice Dam Removal and Prevention in Murray, Utah

An ice dam becomes damaging when it traps water above the eave, which increases the chance of moisture reaching the layers below the shingles.

Median year built from the US Census American Community Survey; elevation from USGS.

The roof should be evaluated when ice buildup is trapping meltwater at the eave, especially when the attic, ceiling or exterior wall is already showing moisture.

In Murray, air leakage, insulation gaps and restricted ventilation can warm parts of the roof unevenly. We also evaluate whether gutters, valleys and roof edges give meltwater a clear way off the roof and how repeated storms and daytime thaws add new ice at the eaves when we inspect why the same area keeps freezing.

The immediate removal goal is to give trapped meltwater a path off the roof, and we then examine the lower roofing once the buildup no longer hides it.

• Controlled ice removal: We remove enough ice to reopen drainage while keeping unnecessary force away from the roof surface.
• Drainage restored: We reopen the route that normally carries meltwater off the roof so runoff can move away before more ice forms.
• Roof edge inspected: With the blockage removed, we examine the lower roofing and drainage components and note any conditions that need a separate repair.
• Interior moisture checked: If staining or dripping is visible indoors, we trace the moisture through the attic so the likely water path is clear.
• Visible damage documented: We take photographs of the buildup and any damage we can see to show what the ice dam affected.

Removing the ice deals with the water that is coming in today. Finding why the roof was warm enough to form it is what stops you calling again next winter.

For the full picture of the service, see Ice Dam Removal & Prevention.

A recurring ice dam usually needs more than another removal visit, so recommendations are based on the existing attic rather than a one-size-fits-all fix.

• Air leaks checked: We inspect obvious gaps where heated indoor air may be entering the attic since warm attic air can melt snow above colder eaves.
• Insulation reviewed: We look for insulation gaps or compressed areas in accessible attic spaces so the prevention plan reflects the attic conditions we can actually see.
• Ventilation checked: We review attic airflow to see whether ventilation openings are restricted so the attic can release heat and moisture more consistently.
• Vulnerable eaves protected during future roofing work: Future roofing work is an opportunity to add waterproof membrane beneath vulnerable roof-edge areas where roof geometry or winter conditions make backup more likely.
• Drainage kept open: We check gutters, valleys and lower roof edges for conditions that restrict drainage to separate drainage problems from attic heat-loss problems.

The first part of the visit focuses on the roof-edge dam and trapped meltwater, and we then document damage before discussing the conditions that may cause another dam.

1. Assess the active problemWe start by identifying the dam, trapped water and current weather conditions before roof-edge materials are exposed.
2. Restore drainageWe clear the portion of the dam that is preventing normal drainage so the roof edge can begin shedding water normally.
3. Inspect after removalAfter the active backup is relieved, we inspect the roofing and attic conditions so roof damage and attic conditions are evaluated separately.
4. Explain the next stepsWe finish with a clear plan for repairs and prevention with each recommendation tied to the condition it addresses.

Courtland Roofing addresses both active ice dams and the roof or attic conditions behind them and we explain which corrections belong to the roof, attic or drainage system.

Certified installer for GAF, CertainTeed and Owens Corning, family-owned, licensed & insured.

Courtland Roofing has cleared ice dams in every part of Murray, Utah (84107, 84123, 84121 and 84117), including the streets around Murray Park and Fashion Place. We give homeowners across the rest of Salt Lake County the same service, including in Riverton, Herriman and Cottonwood Heights.

If you do not see your ZIP code listed, call or text us. We can confirm whether we provide ice dam removal and prevention at your address in Murray.