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Ice Dam Steamers – Functions, How To Use, Best Types & Where To Buy

    I’ll be telling you all you need to know about ice dam steamers, their functions, the best types, and where you can buy one.

    Stay with me!

    Ice Dam Steamers

    Ice dams can cause a lot of havoc on your roof. They can break your shingles, rip off your gutters, and cause leakages.

    Thankfully, ice dams can be removed, and one of the best ways to do this is with an ice dam steamer.

    If you’ve never heard of or used one before, then you’re reading the right article.

    What Is An Ice Dam Steamer?

    An ice dam steamer is a machine used to remove ice formations on your roof (usually along the eaves).

    The machine converts cold water into low-pressure steam, which is warm enough to melt the ice, but gentle enough not to damage your shingles or any other part of your roof.

    Ice dam steamers are designed with nozzles that direct the blast of steam.

    Functions Of An Ice Dam Steamer

    The basic function of an ice dam steamer is to remove ice dams from your roof. But that’s not all, ice dam steamers are also designed to remove the ice safely without damaging any parts of your roof.

    It performs this function by releasing low-pressure steam that can melt through the ice. And some experts recommend that you use the steam to cut the ice formation into chunks until they fall off, as opposed to melting the entire ice.

    How To Use An Ice Dam Steamer

    Using an ice dam steamer is as easy as connecting the machine to regular tap water, turning it on, and aiming the steam from the nozzle at the ice dam formation.

    If you insist on doing it yourself, then you have to be extremely careful. Make sure you put on a pair of non-slip boots before you climb up the slippery ladder.

    The first time is always the hardest. But you can give yourself an advantage by trying out the steamer at the store where you bought it.

    The people there can show you how the particular model you bought works.

    However, working on an icy, slippery roof is dangerous for a person with no experience. You could fall and get injured while working, so it’s always best to have a professional do it for you.

    Here are 2 good reasons why you should let the professionals work with the ice dam steamer on your roof.

    1. You will be safe from injury

    Ice dam steamers produce a lot of vibration when turned on. Now consider working on a slippery roof with a machine that vibrates and can knock you off balance.

    Professionals are trained to use ice dam steamers on the roof. All you have to do is stay on the ground and watch them work.

    1. There will be no roof damage

    Inexperience with an ice dam steamer can cause you to be clumsy. And this can cause you to break your shingles in the process

    Such is not the case with professionals. And even if they accidentally break your shingles, then they’ll be the ones to incur the cost of replacement.

    Low-Pressure Steam vs. Hot Pressure Washers: Which Is Best Type For Ice Dam Steaming?

    When it comes to melting ice, heat remains the number one element to use. However, too much heat could create bigger problems than the ice dams.

    Most ice dam removal professionals prefer to use low-pressure steamers instead of hot pressure washers.

    Here’s why.

    Low-pressure washers aren’t harsh, as they deliver soft blasts of steam that easily cuts through the ice, but won’t damage your shingles or plastic gutters.

    On the other hand, hot pressure washers are not as gentle, as they deliver hotter blasts and can damage your roof.

    Hot pressure washers are better for removing ice and snow from harder surfaces that cannot be damaged by the heat. Such surfaces include parking lots, driveways, and walkways.

    With this in mind, a low-pressure steamer is much better for ice dam removal on your roof than a low-pressure steamer.

    Where To Buy Ice Dam Steamers

    Ice dam steamers aren’t as common as other household appliances or hardware. So finding one may not be as easy as it seems.

    Ice dam removal companies do have their sources, and most would not like to share the information with their competition.

    This is because there are a lot of inferior models in the market, and having a good ice dam steamer can place a removal company ahead of its competition.

    However, ice dam steamers aren’t mythical tools, which means you can definitely find a good one. All you have to do is look and ask.

    I suggest you try searching on Amazon, as they are loaded with several brands and models of industrial machines.

    You can also check with a home improvement or hardware store in your area. Even if they don’t have one in stock, they could point you to where you can buy.

    How Much Do Ice Dam Steamers Cost?

    You should consider the cost before you go out in search of an ice dam steamer. These aren’t cheap machines, and my research has revealed that you could spend between $4,000 to $6,000 buying one.

    Of course, these are just estimates, and the price of the one you buy will be determined by the maker and the specific model.

    Conclusion

    Ice dam steamers are great at removing ice dams on your roof. But they aren’t small machines, and they require a bit of know-how to use.

    This is not to say you can’t use one, as all it takes is a little bit of practice. Getting one is a worthy investment too, as the winter seasons come every year.

    Having one will spare you the cost of having to pay for ice dam removal services every season. To add to that, you should employ effective ice dam prevention techniques.

    This will spare you of the headache altogether.

    Thanks for reading!