How to Remove a Gutter Dam

Clearing a gutter dam is a matter of helping nature along.

Cold winter temperatures and freezing snow or rain wreak havoc on your roof and gutters if you have inadequate insulation in the attic. Ice develops under the snow as the water melts and refreezes. This ice eventually reaches the gutters, creating a dam. The dam prevents the melting ice and snow from draining through the gutter which leads to leaks in your roof. Removing a gutter dam is a matter of helping the course of nature.

Things You'll Need

• Roof rake
• Step ladder
• Extension ladder
• Helper
• Cutting wheel for rotary tool
• Cordless rotary tool
• Cold chisel
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Pull the snow off the roof as much as possible with a roof rake. A roof rake is a rake with an extra long handle so you can reach the roof from the ground. Remove snow at least 2 feet away from the eaves and gutters. Removing the snow removes the blanket preventing the ice from melting.

2. Position a step ladder near the ice dam in the gutter. If you have high gutters, set up an extension ladder near the ice dam. Ask a friend to hold the base of the ladder while you climb and work on the ladder.

3. Install a cutting wheel into your cordless rotary tool. Cut a channel down the center of the ice dam from the roof eave to the the gutter. Cut another channel through the center of the ice dam inside the gutter. This provides a path for the dripping water from the roof. The dripping water eventually melts the ice dam throughout the day.

4. Cut a channel into the ice dam with a cold chisel and hammer, if you do not have a cordless rotary tool available. Place the tip of the cold chisel in the center of the ice dam, and hit the end of the chisel with a hammer to break through the ice. Do not attempt to break the entire ice dam with a chisel as this could cause damage to roof, eaves or gutter.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove gutter dams as early in the day as possible. This allows time for the sun and slightly warmer temperatures to melt some of the snow and ice before nightfall.

• Keep gutters clean to avoid drainage problems that contribute to ice dam formation.

References

• The Home Improvement Web: Removing Ice Dams and Roof Ice Build-Up