Education
Yes, ice dams happen — in the East Mountains
Tijeras, Edgewood, and Sandia Park get cold enough that ice dams form on poorly ventilated roofs.
Ice dams happen when attic heat melts snow, the meltwater runs down to the cold eave, and refreezes — backing up water under the shingles.
The fix is never heat tape alone. It's a combination of attic insulation (R-49 minimum), balanced ventilation, and an ice-and-water shield underlayment extending at least 24 inches past the interior wall line.
If you live above 6,500 feet and your roof predates 2010, get the underlayment checked before next winter.
Next step
Ready for an independent read on your roof?
Book the free on-site inspection, or send a photo and we'll tell you what to do next. No sales pitch — we don't install roofs.