30+ years ice dam experience
At Kuhl’s Contracting, we remove ice dams the only way that doesn’t damage your roof: with low-pressure steam. We’ve been doing it for over 30 years through both Kuhl’s Contracting and our sister company, The Ice Dam Company, the largest and most experienced ice dam removal outfit in the country. Our teams have worked from Duluth to Denver, Boston to Boise and everywhere in between.
Residential, commercial, steep or low slope, we’ve removed ice dams from every conceivable structure you can imagine. Experience matters when so much is on the line (think of a 500lb ice column near the entry of a business!). We practice high Safety standards for the guys we have on site but also for your property.
Want to see more of our work? Jump down to our gallery
Why Kuhl is Different
Kuhl is the ONLY ice dam removal business in Minnesota that focuses as much on prevention as it does removal. We don’t want you to have to call us back a second time for the same problem. We’ll tell you everything you need to know to keep your ice dams from ever coming back. If you’re handy employ our advice on your own. If you want help getting it done, were your guys. Other ice dam removal contractors would love your repeat business. That’s not our thing.
Being an ice dam removal expert is about more than having a steamer in the truck. We understand why ice dams form in the first place and that matters for protecting your home. Our background as roofers, remodelers and building science geeks means we can:
- Identify hidden causes (attic bypasses, insulation gaps, ventilation issues)
- Spot roof damage and leaks others miss
- Advise on prevention strategies that actually work
Ice Dam Removal with Steam
We get it. You just want that #@*! ice dam removed. But before you make any hasty decisions and hire the first guy available, you need to know how important equipment is in terms of the ice dam removal process. We’ve invested in industrial steamers that generate high temperature, low pressure results.
We can cut through ice without damaging shingles (or anything else) at a pace that makes other methods look downright glacial. Another dirty secret in the ice dam removal industry is that when you use cheap equipment it takes a long time to do your job. When you’re paying by the hour, this matters a lot. Nobody will get the job done quicker than we will.
Ice Dam Removal Cost
Ice dam removal costs in Minnesota vary based on the size of the ice dam, roof pitch, number of stories, temperature at the time of removal, and how accessible the area is. The colder it is, the slower the removal goes. Steeper roofs and taller homes require more safety measures and setup time. Below is a sample of recent ice dam removal projects we’ve handled in Edina, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Wayzata to give you a sense of what’s typical.
All of these projects were done using low-pressure steam, which is the safest
and most effective way to remove ice without damaging your roof.
| Location | Description | Removal Temp | Cost Range |
| Edina, MN | 22 feet of ice removed, low slope roof, two-story home | 12° F | $1,575 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 38 feet of ice removed, medium pitch roof, one-story home | 28° F | $1850 |
| St. Paul, MN | 62 feet of ice removed, high pitch roof, two-story home | 4° F | $3,550 |
| Wayzata, MN | 15 feet of ice removed, flat roof, one-story home | 36° F | $920 |
| Orono, MN | 45 feet of ice removed, medium pitch roof, two-story home | 18° F | $2,800 |
| Bloomingon, MN | 27 feet of ice removed, low slope roof, one-story home | 32° F | $1,300 |
| St. Louis Park, MN | 54 feet of ice removed, high pitch roof, two-story home | 2° F | $2,950 |
| Minnetonka, MN | 19 feet of ice removed, medium pitch roof, two-story home | 24° F | $1,325 |
DISCLAIMER: Ice dam removal costs vary wildly based on factors like roof pitch, access, ice thickness, temperature, and whether we’re dodging falling icicles or your prize rose bushes. Every job is different, and our real-world pricing is based on what we find when we get there. Also, these numbers may change faster than a Minnesota weather forecast, so don’t carve them in ice.
Ice Dam Scams
As a pioneer in the ice dam removal business in the United States, we’ve seen it all. An area of particular interest for us is the ever evolving ethical flexibility of many of the contractors who engage in this sort of work. With that in mind, we’d like to give you an inside look at the most effective ways contractors can screw you out of money during your ice dam removal. This isn’t hyperbole, this stuff happens every day in the Minnesota market and nationwide. Sad but true.
6 Common Ice Dam Scams, and How to Avoid Them
Ice Dam removal is a two-man job. Not only does it go much faster with two guys, it’s a lot safer for the people doing the work and for your property.
Some companies have 3-4 hour minimums when many jobs can be finished in 1-2 hours. We bill for the time it takes, not for inflated minimums.
Many companies use high-temperature pressure washers instead of true low-pressure steamers. The result? Damaged shingles and longer job times. We use only commercial-grade steamers built for cutting ice safely.
Some crews spend hours melting all the ice on your roof to inflate the bill. It’s totally unethical. We cut the ice dam into sections, undercut each section and then throw the chunks off the roof, reducing labor time significantly. We only end up melting about 10% of the ice. Gravity does the rest.
Ice that isn’t threatening to create leaks or cause damage doesn’t
need to be removed. We tell you honestly what’s worth taking care of and what’s not.
Most companies remove the ice hoping to hear back from you in a couple weeks (which can absolutely happen during bad ice dam seasons). We would rather remove the ice and then prevent the problem instead of making you a part of our recurring revenue stream.
9 Common Types of Damage Created by Ice Dams
If ignored Ice Dam’s can cause a surprising amount of damage both inside and outside your home. Here are some of the most common problems we see associated with Ice Dam’s.
Water backing up under shingles can leak into ceilings and walls, leaving brown stains, sagging drywall and hidden moisture that rots wood framing. Ignoring it only makes repairs more expensive.
Wet attic insulation loses its effectiveness, driving up heating bills and creating the perfect environment for mold growth. Once insulation is saturated it can lose up to 50% of its R-value, permanently.
Persistent moisture from leaks leads to mold that can spread inside walls and ceilings. Mold remediation is costly and, in some cases a serious health risk for people with allergies or respiratory issues.
Ice dams can bend, break or pull gutters completely off the house. Damaged gutters allow uncontrolled water runoff, which can harm siding, windows and the foundation.
Falling chunks of ice can damage vehicles, outdoor furniture, decks or anything else in the danger zone.
Ice buildup can collapse soffits, tearing away ventilation components and exposing your attic to pests and the elements. Repairing soffits can be labor intensive and costly.
Heavy ice and snow crashing down from the roof can destroy shrubs and bushes that have taken years to grow. Huge bummer.
Large icicles and slabs of ice can fall without warning, risking serious injury to anyone below. These hazards are especially dangerous around entryways and walkways.
Water leaks can seep down through ceilings and walls, eventually buckling hardwood floors or ruining carpet and subflooring.
How Ice Dams Cause Leaks
A lot is understood about Ice Dam causation and what signs to look for in determining if you actually have an Ice Dam or just pretty icicles, but many people don’t understand how they actually cause leaks. Here is a diagram that helps explain it all.
We first hired Steve Kuhl last year after seeing him on the news talking about ice dams. When we looked up the Kuhlʼs website and saw Steve’s picture with the giant icicle under his arm we knew this guy loved his work. We hired his crew to take care of our giant ice dams on our Orono home. This year we brought them back again for a new project and Kuhlʼs did another great job for us—I mean with us. They listened to our ideas, answered our questions, researched our concerns, and came up with a solution that was perfect just for us. These guys actually made a boring project fun—weʼre talking ice dam prevention and electrical upgrades here (yuck). It was on time, exactly what we needed, and fairly priced. Everyone we have worked with from Kuhl’s has had the same I-Love-My-Job attitude and that makes it so much easier for all of us! Thanks guys for another job done well and with enthusiasm.
Lorraine, Orono Skylight Replacement and Ice Dam Removal and Ice Dam Prevention
Solving Ice Dams In Minneapolis
Science + Common Sense + Insulation & Ventilation = No Ice Dams
View case study
National Ice Dam Expert Grew Up In Minneapolis, Minnesota. Go figure.
A Minneapolis contractor has become a national expert in ice dams and ice dam prevention
View case study
Top Nine Areas Where Ice Dams Occur on Minneapolis Homes
Top Nine Areas Where Ice Dams Occur on Minneapolis Homes
View case study
6 Minneapolis Ice Dam Warning Signs
How To Spot Ice Dams On Homes In Minneapols and Surrounding Areas
View case study
Ice Dam Puzzle: Minneapolis Ice Dam Prevention
Minneapolis Homeowner Struggled to Find Educated Perspective on Ice Dam Mystery
View case study
Roof Snow Removal In Minneapolis
How Using a Roof Rake Can Make Ice Dam Problems Much, Much Worse
View case study
Observations from the experts on the relationship between sun and ice dams
Observations from the experts on the relationship between sun and ice dams
View case study
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and answers about ice dams
There are 7 typical signs of an ice dam. Not all need to be present but if you see these things it’s time to call
Kuhl.
- Icicles forming on the edge of your roof (with or without gutters). Note, We’re not here to suggest that
if you have ice dams icicles, you have a problematic ice dam, only that most ice dams are proceeded by
presence of icicles. - Ice begins to build on top of the gutter or lower edge or roof. Ice dams as little as 1” thick can cause big
problems. Don’t be fooled by small ice dams. - Ice begins coming through the soffit vents or through the soffit itself. This is bad news.
- Icicles forming behind the gutter.
- Ice or water shows up on the siding or exterior wall surface. This is bad news.
- Ice or water shows up inside your home or around the window frame. This is really bad news.
- The seventh and most obvious sign that you might have an ice dam is that you notice water coming in
your house, through your ceiling, down the interior walls, down the inside of the windows in the middle
Low-pressure steam is the only method we recommend. It cuts through ice without damaging shingles.
High-temperature pressure washers, chisels, salt or hammers can damage roofing materials and void your
warranty. At Kuhl’s Contracting, we use true steam machines and trained roofers to remove ice safely and
efficiently.
Costs vary depending on the size of the ice dam, roof complexity, outdoor temperatures, thickness of ice,
how far up the roof the ice has developed and site access. Most Minnesota homeowners pay between $900
and $2,000 for same-day steam removal (if they’re dealing with an ethical company). Acting quickly can
save money because ice dams grow somewhat quickly and can cause more damage the longer they’re left in
place.
Most Kuhl’s Contracting ice dam removal jobs take 2–4 hours, depending on roof size, slope, outdoor temperatures, ice thickness (and some other variables). Large or multi-story homes with extensive ice dams can take longer. Our crews work quickly while prioritizing safety and protecting your roof.
Not if it’s done with the right equipment and expertise. We’ve removed ice dams from asphalt shingles, flat roofs, metal roofs, open downspouts commercial properties, multi family properties and more without damage for over 30 years. Many companies claim to “steam” but actually use modified pressure washers that can strip granules or break shingles.
Yes, usually, but prevention depends on your home. We can evaluate your roof and attic to identify the causes and recommend solutions, which may include: Air sealing attic bypasses, adding insulation, improving ventilation, or the targeted use of self-regulating heat cable. We design prevention plans that work in Minnesota’s unique climate.
Many policies cover water damage caused by ice dams and some will even cover removal to prevent further damage. It depends on your policy. We can document our work for insurance claims and help you understand your coverage. An interesting fact, is that most insurance companies will expect you to manage your Ice Dam problem in somewhat way after paying out to fix damage caused by an Ice Dam. You need to demonstrate some degree of due diligence. If not, they can deny future claims. This is where I am prevention plays a key role in keeping your insurance costs lower in the future.
It depends on your tolerance for risk. Some people take more of a proactive approach while others wait until they see water inside their homes. That’s your call. Left unchecked ice dams can damage insulation, drywall, flooring and things. The sooner you call the less damage and cost you’ll face.
Check out our section titled ‘Six Ice Dam Scams’. This is some solid advice from an industry insider (us) on all the ways we’ve seen people get scammed. The easiest way to avoid getting ripped off is to simply is work with a trustworthy contractor. We’re hoping you can see that we’re your guys. 🙂
Yes. On occasion, it depends on the scope of the job. Certain winters, we pack up the entire team and travel to other areas of the country when the ice event is large enough to justify the effort and expense.
It depends. If you use a high-quality self regulating heat cable, the results are undeniable. Those heat cable systems were installed properly by an experienced person can provide many years of reliable ice dam control. The main reason heat cable has a dubious reputation in the ice dam prevention field is that 90% of the systems installed across America are cheap, constant wattage cables bought at big box stores. They come with a one or two year warranty and a long list of limitations that very few homeowners bother to understand before installing the stuff on their home. This means that statistically most heat cable systems don’t work. All of that said, a high-quality, commercial grade heat cable system is the most affordable, targeted solution available for ice dam control, in particular when compared to the expense of architectural solutions including insulation, ventilation and air leak sealing (the traditional ice dam management trifecta).
Kuhl takes a systematic and methodical approach to how we look at every project. You'll see it when we meet.
We promise to treat you like you're in our family, because you sort of are. The Twin Cities is a small area and there's a very good chance we've worked for somebody you already know (and we love that).
We want you to become a customer for life.