Protecting Your Roof from Heavy Snow

Experts warn of the dangers of ice dams and the need for professional roof maintenance

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The heavy snow and ice buildup in Marquette and Ishpeming, Michigan have already caused roofs to collapse at the Westwood Mall and the VFW. The freeze-thaw cycle is causing ice dams to form along roof edges, adding significant weight and leading to leaks. Professional roofers advise homeowners to leave ice removal to the experts to avoid damage.

Why it matters

Roof collapses and ice dam-related leaks can pose serious safety risks and lead to costly home repairs. As winter weather becomes more extreme, understanding how to properly maintain roofs is crucial for protecting homes and businesses.

The details

Ice dams can weigh over 5,000 pounds if they build up along a 60-foot roof edge, according to Ryan Okler, owner of Okler Roofing. The standing water caused by ice dams can find its way inside even new roofs. Homeowners attempting to remove ice themselves risk damaging skylights, vents, and other roof components.

  • The heavy snow and ice buildup have already caused roofs to collapse at the Westwood Mall in Marquette and the VFW in Ishpeming.

The players

Okler Roofing

A professional roofing company that advises on the dangers of ice dams and the proper way to remove them.

Ryan Okler

The owner of Okler Roofing who provided expert insights on the weight and risks of ice dams.

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What they’re saying

“Ice can be 57 pounds for a one-foot by one-foot block of ice, so that a one-foot ice dam running along a 60-foot eave could very well be over 5000 pounds.”

— Ryan Okler, Owner, Okler Roofing (WZMQ)

“By fracturing that ice, you can remove it and pretty much mitigate that leakage immediately.”

— Ryan Okler, Owner, Okler Roofing (WZMQ)

“Just because you had a new roof put on, if you have a large ice dam, the roof system still can leak if they hold water for long enough.”

— Ryan Okler, Owner, Okler Roofing (WZMQ)

“We've fixed a lot of places that, you know, somebody's just up on the roof with a scoop or a shovel. They step through a skylight, wreck a vent, you know, there are a lot of things to watch out for.”

— Ryan Okler, Owner, Okler Roofing (WZMQ)

What’s next

Homeowners should contact professional roofers to properly assess and address any ice dam issues on their roofs before they cause further damage.

The takeaway

As extreme winter weather becomes more common, understanding the risks of ice dams and properly maintaining roofs is crucial for protecting homes and businesses. Attempting DIY ice removal can lead to costly roof damage, so it's best to leave it to the professionals.