Here are some things you can do to prevent ice in gutters and downspouts.
Best way to thaw gutters and down spouts.
Another way you can thaw is by running hot water down the outside of the downspout near the blocked area.
For starters it s prudent to list some of the ways not to thaw iced over gutters.
The wrong way to thaw gutters.
If your gutters sit flat water will just sit in the gutter and freeze.
The reason for the weight of ice is that debris in the downspout is getting wet.
Gutter cleaners say a little prevention goes a long way to save you from frozen folly.
Whether some of your downspouts remained clogged with debris when winter hit or your gutters are just reacting to all the snow and cold here s how to manage them until it warms up again.
That allows water to easily flow to the downspout.
Downspouts collected ice inside where the downspouts were dented or bent.
The best thing to do is make sure your system is cleaned regularly every six months says brad ladner owner of atlanta s best gutter cleaners in roswell georgia.
Consistently frozen downspouts require immediate attention.
If neither of these ways help please do not use force by striking your downspout.
I ve got a frozen downspout on the corner of my house due to multiple high snowfalls this year crazy low temps from polar vortexes indiana.
This can lead to your gutter and downspout tearing away from your roof or siding leading to more costly and larger problems such as water leaks and improper drainage.
Strategies to safely thaw a frozen gutter don t get out your hammers ice picks or axes.
This could cause more damage than good.
Over time the ice can back up into your gutters creating additional weight on your entire gutter system.
If you live in a colder part of the world you may run into a situation where your downspouts become frozen.
Should i try to thaw out the downspout.
This should be good enough to thaw minor ice buildup and break up the blockage.
Attempting to break up the ice with a hammer this can dent your gutters or cause them to separate from the roof using a hatchet axe or shovel to break up the ice see 1.
Others recommend taking ice melt to the gutters see below.
A downspout is an integral part of a home s gutter system.
Long term prevention involves checking for bends and dings in the downspouts before winter sets in.
Looks like the freezing is backing up to the gutter making me concerned the ice build up could overload the gutter with weight and cause it to pull away from the roof.
Make sure your gutters are properly sloped.
Some say just leave it alone.
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