How to Defrost a Frozen Downspout
During the cold, winter months ice dams may form on your roof. Ice dams form when warm air, escaping from the attic, melts snow on the roof. The melted snow then refreezes when it reaches the colder roof line, gutters and downspouts. If left untreated, ice dams can cause water to back up under the roof shingles and leak into the home. Signs that you have an ice dam include icicles hanging from the roof line and downspouts. It is important to take care of ice dams and defrost frozen downspouts as soon as possible. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Roof rake
- Push broom
- Pantyhose
- Sidewalk salt (calcium chloride pellets)
- Ladder
Instructions
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Defrost
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1
Use a roof rake to carefully remove excess snow from the roof of your house. Try to remove at least 3 to 4 feet of snow back from the roof line. A push broom can also be used. Be careful not to damage your roof and shingles.
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2
Cut the legs off of a pair of pantyhose.
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3
Fill the legs with sidewalk salt. Tie the legs to keep the salt in the legs. Rock salt should not be used for this method. It may damage your roof and siding.
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4
Place the ladder against the building and climb up to reach the downspout. Be careful and work with a partner to hold the ladder for you. If you are unable to safely use a ladder you can use a garden rake to help place the homemade ice melter in the appropriate spot.
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5
Lay the stuffed legs on top of the frozen downspout. The ice will slowly start to melt. The legs can also be placed on frozen gutters.
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6
Remove the old pantyhose once the downspout is unfrozen.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Warm water poured down the spout may help melt small ice dams.
Be very careful working with ice, snow and ladders. If you are unable to work safely, call a professional.
References
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Comments
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Dick Pennington
Nov 18, 2009
Make sure to remove all the pantyhose, including the torn pieces, before they plug the drain, and make the situation much worse than you can possibly imagine. Or better yet use a better nylon or poly woven material that wont freeze into place and/or is refillable. Ah...just buy an ice melt sock or a snow melt sock at ACE hardware.
