Ice dams in Andover
Andover's newer construction sits alongside older farm-era homes, and both can dam up when attic ventilation falls behind snowfall. Open rural exposures mean deep drifts on leeward roof slopes, and once a dam locks in, repeated thaw-freeze cycles push water under shingles and into top-floor walls.
When meltwater can't drain past the ice at the eaves, it pools behind the dam and backs up under the shingles. From there it soaks into the roof deck and shows up as water stains on ceilings, damp patches on walls, or drips inside the home. Because Andover sits in a region with deep cold and repeated freeze-thaw swings, a dam that starts one evening can be leaking by the next afternoon.
Local factors that lead to dams here
- Open exposures that pile deep drifts on leeward roof slopes
- A mix of newer builds and older homes with inconsistent ventilation
- Long, cold nights that refreeze meltwater solid at the eaves
Why steam is the right call in Andover
The independent contractors we connect you with use commercial steam equipment, which melts a drainage channel through the ice without forcing, scraping, or impact. That matters on the range of roof ages found across Andover — from older homes with brittle shingles to newer builds with metal and low-slope sections. Chipping with a hammer or pressure washing can crack shingles, strip granules, and drive water further under the roof. Steam avoids all of that.
What to do right now
If water is already coming inside, move belongings out of the wet area, catch drips with a bucket, and don't climb an icy roof yourself. Submit a request or call and we'll route it to independent local contractors who use steam. They contact you directly, and you choose who to work with — no obligation.
What's specific to Andover
Andover's open lots mean wind can pack a deep drift onto one side of the roof while the other side stays nearly bare — and the drift side is usually where the dam forms. If you've got a heavy drift on one slope, a roof rake can clear it before it melts and refreezes, but once the dam is set, steam is the safe way to cut a channel through it.
How we vet the contractors we refer
We don't perform the work ourselves, so the contractors we connect you with matter. Before a contractor receives homeowner leads, we ask for three things:
- Proof of insurance on file before we send them homeowner requests.
- Commercial steam equipment — active-leak and removal leads go only to partners who confirm they use it.
- A defined service area in the north metro, so leads reach contractors who can actually get to Andover.