How to Remove Icicles From My House Safely
Icicles may add a seasonal touch to the look of your house, but they can be dangerous if they fall on someone. Plus, having ice buildup on your roof can cause leakage. Having extra weight on your roof can also damage it. When icicles start to form on your gutters or roof overhang, remove them right away before they get too large and unwieldy. Save yourself the expense of roof repair, and take care of icicles before and after they form. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Get a tall ladder and position it carefully against the side of the house so that you can reach the icicles easily. Do not put your ladder against the gutter itself, since gutters are not usually very sturdy. Have a partner watch out for you and keep your ladder steady.
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Climb to the top of the ladder with a hammer and ice pick in your pocket or utility belt.
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Use your hammer, ice pick or hands to pull the icicles off. Have your partner move away from where the icicles fall. While you're up there, chip away all the ice that you can reach with your ice pick.
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Wipe away all the dead leaves, ice and snow that you can reach to prevent more icicle buildup. You can use a shovel or roof rake to wipe away this debris.
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Clean out your gutters so they do not form new icicles. Prevent new icicles from forming by keeping your attic well-insulated and your gutters and roof clear of snow and leaves.
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Tips & Warnings
Never climb on the roof in cold weather, since it might have invisible black ice buildup.
Don't do this job alone, since it is dangerous.
