We often discuss the hidden cost of ice dams. These costs include the damage to your roof, gutters, and walls. They also include potential medical bills and lawsuits. If left untreated, the hidden costs of ice dams is quite high. They can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more if litigation becomes an issue. Anyone who has been following us for some time has learned this, as we have covered this subject at great lengths. However, what is the cost to actually remove the ice dam? What does the cost encompass? How do you know if you have a reputable company rather than just the cheapest one? These questions need to be addressed to help you choose the best company for your ice dam removal.
The Numbers
The reality is there is no one answer to the cost of removing an ice dam. The fees are based on the amount of time it takes to remove the dam, and that can vary based on numerous factors. Depending on the company, you may pay between $275 an hour to $500 per hour with a minimum of two hours. If it is exceptionally cold the day your ice dam removal is set to occur or if the dam is exceptionally thick, this process may take several hours.
You may also wish to consider other expenses, such as setup and take down time. A reputable company will charge this fee once. If the company needs to come back a second day, this fee will not be charged to the client for both days. Additionally, make sure you have cleared a path to your spicket and have the water already turned on. Ensure you also have a 15-amp electrical circuit available and cleared. Having this ready when your ice dam removal company arrives will save you time, which will keep the bill down.
The Reputable Difference
Most companies will be able to tell you their hourly rate immediately. However, a reputable company will not offer you a free estimate or tell you how long they think the job will take without starting the job. The reason is simple. The technicians will not know how difficult the ice dam will be to remove until they start working to remove it. It may appear to be an easy two-hour job. Once on the roof, the technicians may see the dam is actually much thicker than anticipated or much larger than originally described.
Another key factor separating the cheapest from the most reputable company is that a reputable company will not charge extra transactional fees for payment made with a credit or debit card. The price given is the price given, no matter how it is paid. However, that does not mean you will have the option to pay after the insurance gives you a check. Instead, you will receive an invoice to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
If you are in need of a reputable company to remove your ice dam, contact the experts at RTD Ice Dam Removal at (651) 699-3504.
