How to Avoid Ice Damage to the Gutter
Living in an area that gets a lot of snow means you must take care of your home to prevent damage, including harm to your gutters. During the winter months, the snow builds up on your roof. Because you also heat your home in the winter and warm air rises, the snow in the bottom layer may melt and then refreeze, creating ice along your roof and in your gutters. If you don't do anything about this ice, an ice dam may develop, which can damage your gutters. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Clean out your gutters in the fall after the leaves have fallen to ensure they are clear for the winter. Shovel the snow away from the downspouts so any melting snow has a clear pathway and won't freeze in the gutters or downspouts.
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2
Remove the snow from your roof using a roof rake immediately after it snows to prevent ice from forming in your gutters. Use the rake carefully so you don't scrape off any shingles from your roof.
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3
Throw roof melt tablets onto your roof to help get rid of any snow you can't reach with the roof rake. These tablets are made from chemicals that are safe for your roof. Don't use sodium chloride on your roof because the salt will damage your shingles.
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4
Line the edges of your roof with heat wires that plug into an exterior outlet. These wires provide enough warmth to keep melting snow from refreezing along the edges of your roof, blocking off the gutters.
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5
Break off any icicles that hang from your gutters. The weight of the icicles can bend and damage your gutters.
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6
Use a hammer and screwdriver like a chisel to break away thicker ice that may develop in your gutters. Use caution so you don't gouge your roof or gutters with the screwdriver. This should be a last resort.
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Tips & Warnings
Add insulation to your attic to help minimize the refreezing of melted snow on your roof.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
