Ice Dams in Beloit & Janesville: The Sneaky Winter Villains Wrecking Stateline Roofs (And How to Stop Them)


Winter in Beloit and Janesville is gorgeous—fresh snow, cozy fireplaces, holiday vibes that feel straight out of a Hallmark movie. And then… the ice dam.

A glistening chunk of frozen chaos pretending to be cute while quietly plotting to ruin your roof, your drywall, your flooring, and possibly your week.


At Total Exteriors, we’ve spent years rescuing Stateline homes from these frosty little villains. So let’s break down what ice dams are, why they show up so often in southern Wisconsin, the damage they cause, and how to stop them before they turn your home into a very wet winter wonderland.


What Are Ice Dams? (Beloit’s Frosty Rooftop Frenemies)


An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edges of your roof, blocking melted snow from draining. Instead of flowing off your Janesville or Beloit home like a polite liquid, the water backs up, sneaks under shingles, and slips into places it absolutely doesn’t belong.


Inside your insulation.

Behind your walls.

Into your ceilings.

Straight into your “I didn’t plan for this” fund.


Why Ice Dams Are Common in Beloit & Janesville


Southern Wisconsin winters are basically a masterclass in temperature mood swings. One day it’s 10°, the next it’s 38° and raining sideways. These fluctuations—mixed with older homes, inconsistent insulation, and heavy snowfalls—create perfect ice dam conditions.


Here’s the classic Stateline setup:


Attic heat warms the roof
  • Poor insulation lets warm indoor air rise into your attic and heat the roof surface.
Snow melts
  • The warm roof turns snow into water.
Water refreezes at the eaves
  • Because the overhangs stay colder, the water freezes again—creating a stubborn ridge of ice.
More water backs up
  • And that’s when it finds its way into your home like an unwanted winter guest.


The Damage Ice Dams Cause (AKA: Why Your Beloit or Janesville Home Deserves Better)


Ice dams aren’t “just winter things.” They cause:


🔹 Roof leaks – Water sneaks under shingles and drips into the home.

🔹 Mold & mildew – More moisture = mold's invitation to move in.

🔹 Gutter damage – Ice dams weigh more than a Packers fan’s hopes on opening day.

🔹 Interior destruction – Warped floors, stained drywall, and fried electrical—no thanks.


How to Prevent Ice Dams on Your Beloit or Janesville Home


A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping winter where it belongs: outside.


1. Upgrade Attic Insulation

A properly insulated attic helps control heat loss—crucial for preventing ice dams in Wisconsin’s freeze-thaw cycles.


2. Improve Ventilation

Soffit vents, ridge vents, and attic fans keep temperatures consistent across your roof.


3. Remove Roof Snow

Use a roof rake to clear the first 3–4 feet of snow along the eaves after big storms—especially in heavy-snow areas like Beloit’s east side or Janesville’s north neighborhoods.


4. Seal Air Leaks

Chimneys, vents, recessed lights—seal those up and keep heat where it belongs.


5. Install Ice & Water Shield

This is essential for southern Wisconsin roofs. It creates a waterproof barrier under your shingles for extra protection.


How to Remove Ice Dams (Without Becoming a Wisconsin Injury Statistic)


If an ice dam has already set up camp:


✅ Use a roof rake

Stay on the ground. Your roof is icy, not a Slip ’N Slide.


✅ Try calcium chloride

Put it in a sock or pantyhose, lay it on the dam, and let it melt channels. Yes—this is the one time putting chemicals in pantyhose is encouraged.


🚫 Avoid rock salt

It’ll destroy your shingles and landscaping.


🚫 Do NOT chip the ice

Your roof isn’t a piñata. And you’re not a lumberjack. Please don’t.


🚫 Don’t climb onto a snowy roof

Gravity wins. Every. Single. Time.


When to Call the Pros (Spoiler: That’s Us)


If water is leaking into your home, if the ice dam is huge, or if you want a long-term prevention plan, call Total Exteriors.

We help Beloit and Janesville homeowners year-round with expert roofing inspections, ice dam removal, and prevention solutions that actually work.


Protect Your Beloit or Janesville Home This Winter ❄️🏡


Ice dams are part of winter in Wisconsin—but damage doesn’t have to be. Total Exteriors is here to keep your roof safe, dry, and looking as good as a fresh snow day (the pretty kind, not the shovel-your-driveway kind).


For help with ice dams or winter roofing issues:


🔹 Call us at 608.368.7045


Stay warm, stay safe, and let’s keep your Stateline roof ice-dam-free all season long.