Let’s clear something up right away:
Ice dams are super common in winter, especially in places like Illinois.

You might see icicles hanging off the gutters or a strip of ice sitting at the edge of the roof. And the first thought most homeowners have is:
“Oh no… is my roof destroyed?”

Short answer?
Not necessarily.

Most of the time, ice dams are just a sign that your roof and attic are dealing with normal winter conditions.

So What Is an Ice Dam?

It’s basically what happens when the snow on your roof melts a little, then refreezes near the colder edges.
Nothing exotic, just winter doing winter things.

This doesn’t automatically mean your roof is falling apart.
It just means heat is escaping from the attic and warming up the roof.

When Are Ice Dams a Problem?

Ice dams become an issue only if water starts sneaking under your shingles and working its way inside.

Things to keep an eye out for:

• Water spots on ceilings
• Damp insulation
• Dripping in the attic

But again — having an ice dam does NOT mean all this is happening.
A ton of homes get ice dams every single year with zero interior leaks.

Why It Happens (and Why It’s Common)

Here in Aurora, IL, we get days where it’s 10°F in the morning and 38°F by noon.
That freeze–thaw pattern is the perfect recipe for ice dams.

Even brand-new roofs can get them.
Even perfectly installed roofs can get them.

So if you see one forming, don’t panic — it doesn’t automatically say anything about the quality of your roof.

What You Should Do

If you spot an ice dam, the goal is simple:
Keep an eye on things and avoid trying to remove it yourself.

The last thing you want is someone hacking away at the ice with a shovel or hammer.
(Trust us, we’ve seen the damage that causes.)

If you're unsure whether it’s causing issues, just call Affordable Roofing.
Sometimes the only “fix” you need is better attic ventilation or insulation — easy stuff.

Curious about winter roof readiness? 
Check out: Three ways to winter prep your roof
Also relevant: Three ways to improve your ventilation

Affordable Roofing: Helping Aurora & Chicagoland Stay Winter-Ready

We handle ice dam inspections all winter long. Most of the time, homeowners just need reassurance and maybe a quick checkup. If there is a leak starting, it’s usually easy to catch early.

So don’t let the icicles stress you out.
They look dramatic… but most of the time the fix is simple.