How to De-Ice a House Gutter
Once winter temperatures dip below 32 degrees F, water begins to freeze. Water and snow in your gutters that turns to ice is extremely dangerous. An ice dam can form, which could potentially cause melting snow to run under the roof and into your house. The gutter itself may also begin to pull away from the roof. De-icing the gutter will prevent any damage from occurring. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Roof rake
- Ice pick
- Nylon stockings
- Calcium chloride ice melter
- Heat tape
Instructions
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1
Remove the loose snow and ice from the roof with a roof rake. This will prevent the ice-filled gutter from becoming bombarded with more ice.
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2
Chisel out the middle section of the ice in the gutters with an ice pick to form a channel.
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3
Fill an old pair of nylons with calcium chloride ice melter. Tie closed and set inside the channels in the gutters. The ice will begin to melt. Once most of the ice is gone, remove and discard the nylons.
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4
Set a strip of heat tape in the channel you created in the gutter ice if you desire the ice to melt faster than it would with the calcium chloride ice melter. Heat tape uses electricity to melt the ice and requires the use of a ground fault circuit interrupter protected outlet.
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Tips & Warnings
Always make sure your gutters are free of leaves and debris so ice that begins melting can flow freely out of the gutter.
Consider tossing a little rock salt into your gutters the next time the forecaster calls for snow.
Never rake the loose snow and ice sideways, or you may lose some shingles at the same time. Always pull the snow straight down and off the roof.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
