About Removing Ice in Gutters

Removing ice from your gutters in the winter could save you from expensive home repairs. Gutters filled with ice block the path of melting water causing it to get under the flashing and into your home. The weight of the ice can also pull the gutters away from the house. There are steps that you can take to remove the ice once it is built up. The amount of time and effort it will take depends on the thickness of the ice.

• Try cutting the legs off pantyhose, fill the legs with ice melt, knot the cut end. Place these ice melt filled tubes along your gutters. The ice melt will work to help melt the ice.


• You can use  an outdoor extension cord and blow dryer to melt ice. Only do this if you can use a ladder to safely reach the gutters. If you have ice on the ground using a ladder will not be safe.


• Home improvement stores sell de-icing cables that you can place over the ice to melt it. Once the ice is melted you can attach them permanently with hooks to prevent ice from building up again.


• Hooking up a hose to your hot water will melt the ice quickly. This can be done if you are going to have a couple of warm, above freezing days.


• You should not try to break the ice or shovel the ice and snow off your roof, this can cause damage to your roof and is dangerous for you.


• It is possible to hire a company to come out to your home to remove the ice for you. These companies have special tools and can quickly clear out gutters for you. The price will be determined by the thickness of the ice. Obtain multiple estimates to find the cheapest rate.


• If you do see water coming into your home because of an ice blocked gutter, do not panic, the leaking will stop once the ice is out of the gutter and the water can follow its normal path off of the roof. However, address all damages immediately to avoid mold from forming.