In a side by side comparison of ice dam steaming vs hot pressure washer for ice dam removal, the victor will always be the low pressure steamer. A hot pressure washer is great for its intended uses, just as an ice dam steamer is great for its intended uses, but the high psi water pressure of a pressure washer is not safe enough for roofing materials as pictured.
If we compare the two, ice dam steaming vs hot pressure washer side by side on a roof you will see that the steam is capable of melting through and under the ice without any damage to the roofing material. If you try to undercut the ice dam with a pressure washer you will most certainly do damage to the roof.
Examining the details closely below should give you a good idea as to why the victor will always be the ice dam steamer. Keep in mind that steam is produced at (the boiling point of water) 212 degrees F but that is still hot water. The softest steam is produced at 250 degrees and up.
Ice Dam Steamer (Low PSI Steam) | Hot Pressure Washer (High PSI Water) |
· Steam Can’t Cut Material | · Pressurized Water Can Cut Materials |
· 100-300 PSI Steam | · 1000-4000 PSI Hot Water |
· 250-325 Deg F Steam | · 150-200 Deg F Water |
· 1.5-2.5 GPM Water Use | · 3-5 GPM Water Use |
If you are considering hiring a steam ice dam removal company please always educate yourself first to avoid the huge scam of hot pressure washers on roofs. If you have any questions about ice dam removal please call IDSAFE # 612-460-0474 or contact us and we will reply quickly. For safe, damage free ice dam removal with steam, please hire our members before non members. We place our logo on members websites with a special clickable member number so you can find them on our site.