Ice dams form when warm attic air melts snow on the upper portion of a roof; the meltwater runs down to the cold eave overhang and refreezes, building up a dam of ice that backs water under the shingles. While Surrey, BC doesn’t experience the extended deep freezes of interior BC, our periodic freeze-thaw cycles in December through February can create ice dam conditions — particularly on homes with inadequate attic insulation or ventilation.
Ice dam assessment Surrey BC: I-M Roofing Ltd. — 236-838-9577
How to Tell If You Have an Ice Dam Problem in Surrey
- Icicles forming at the eave after snowfall + overnight freeze
- Water dripping from the ceiling at or near the exterior wall after a freeze-thaw event
- Ridge of ice visible at the eave line, pushing back under the shingles
- Staining on the ceiling along the eave line (evidence of ice dam history even after the ice has melted)
Ice Dam Damage Cost Surrey BC — 2026
| Issue | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Ice dam removal (steam or heat cable) | $400 – $1,500 |
| Shingle repair after ice dam (lifted or cracked shingles) | $350 – $900 |
| Ice-and-water shield at eaves (preventive, during re-roof) | Included in re-roof |
| Attic insulation upgrade to prevent recurrence | $2,000 – $8,000 (insulation contractor) |
Long-Term Ice Dam Prevention in Surrey
Addressing the root cause (warm attic) is far more effective than annual ice dam removal:
- Increase attic insulation to minimum R-40 — keeps attic temperature closer to outdoor temperature, reducing snowmelt differential at the ridge
- Ensure adequate soffit and ridge ventilation — continuous airflow from soffit to ridge maintains a cold, uniform attic temperature
- Install baffles at every rafter bay — prevents insulation from blocking soffit intake vents
- Ice-and-water shield at eaves — mandatory during any re-roof (BC Building Code); self-seals around nails, providing backup protection if an ice dam forms
Related
Book a post-ice-dam inspection: 236-838-9577
