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Could You and Your Friends Make $1,000 a Weekend Removing Ice Dams?
Could your crew bring in $1,000 over a weekend removing ice dams? See an example, startup costs, training needs, and ways to find customers.
You and a couple friends want to start a business. Something people actually need, with work you can do on weekends. If you live somewhere with snowy winters, an ice dam removal service could be worth looking into.
Could your crew bring in $1,000 over a weekend? With the right jobs, yes. But that means money coming into the business before expenses. It does not mean $1,000 in everybody's pocket, and it takes preparation before you can offer this service.
Why homeowners pay for this work
An ice dam forms at a roof's edge. It can trap snowmelt that leaks into the house. Homeowners want that handled quickly. 1
A trained crew provides the equipment, experience, and time to deal with it. You're selling skilled work. Being available on a weekend can help, but never promise a response time your crew can't safely meet.
What a $1,000 weekend could look like
Here's a simple example in U.S. dollars. These are made-up job prices to explain the math, not a market-rate quote or an earnings promise.
| Work booked | Example charge | Crew revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday: one job | $500 | $500 |
| Sunday: one job | $500 | $500 |
| Weekend total | 2 jobs | $1,000 |
You still have to cover equipment rental or ownership, fuel, insurance, labor, travel, maintenance, and taxes. Then there's the split between friends. If three people split the full $1,000 evenly, that's about $333 each before any of those costs.
Actual quotes depend on the property and the work. Roof height, slope, and the amount of ice affect the time needed. One job could take much longer than another. 4
Demand depends on local weather too. Some weekends may bring several calls. Others may bring none. Check demand and get equipment and insurance quotes before spending money.
Learn the work before taking your first customer
Start by working with an experienced ice dam removal contractor. Get training on the equipment and the job-site safety plan. A friend watching from below does not replace training or proper protection.
Roof work brings falls, hidden skylights, power lines, and possible roof collapse. Each job needs a hazard assessment, safe access, and trained workers using the right protection. OSHA recommends avoiding roof access where possible. 2
Professional ice dam steamers use equipment designed for this work. A regular high-pressure washer is not a substitute. Steam can burn, and careless work can damage the property. Don't improvise with a hammer, torch, or pressure washer. Learn the manufacturer's procedures and have an emergency plan before offering the service. 3
Set the business up with your friends
Get written confirmation from your insurer that your policy covers the exact roof and ice dam work you plan to do. Ask your local business office about registration, licenses, and any other requirements. Get clear on worker coverage too.
Agree who buys the equipment, who answers customers, who leads the trained crew, and how everyone gets paid. Put it in writing. Being friends doesn't make the money conversations disappear.
Find customers and quote clearly
Once you're trained, insured, and ready, introduce the service to local roofers, property managers, and homeowners. Set up a Google Business Profile. Post in neighborhood groups where business posts are allowed. Use real job photos with the owner's permission.
Ask about the building, access, ice, and any leaks before quoting. Write down the scope, minimum charge, billing method, and when extra work needs approval. Tell customers what you can handle and refer work beyond your training to a qualified contractor.
Keep customers and passersby out of the falling-ice area. Turn down jobs your crew cannot handle safely. 2 A full schedule isn't worth taking a job you're unprepared for.
Give people a reason to call you again
Show up when you say you will. Explain the bill. Keep the customer updated. And be honest: removing the ice doesn't fix the home's heat loss. Recurring ice dams need a qualified assessment of air leaks and insulation. Clearing gutters alone won't solve that. 1
Shookio helps small service businesses organize booking requests, jobs, schedules, and their team. When you and your friends get busy, those details need a home besides a group chat.
Theres a business idea here for the right crew. Start with training, price the work properly, and build a reputation one customer at a time.
Sources
All amounts are in U.S. dollars. The $500 job prices are hypothetical examples. Sources checked September 30, 2026.
- Dealing with and preventing ice dams — University of Minnesota Extension
- Winter weather hazards and precautions — Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Arctic Steamer purpose-built equipment — American Pressure manufacturer information
- Factors affecting ice dam removal estimates — The Ice Dam Company service information
