How To Eliminate Ice Jams In My Gutters

If necessary use a long handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position.

How to eliminate ice jams in my gutters.

Improving ventilation and reducing heat sources against the inside roof surface are the best ways to prevent ice dams but if these methods aren t practical then it is possible to install electric heat cable along the edge of the roof line and gutters. If you re interested check out our tutorial on using roof rakes. If you have leakage from an ice dam and can t rake the snow off the roof the best way to get rid of the ice dam is to hire a roofing company to steam it off. Clearing out your gutters.

This method may use up your hot water for awhile so be sure everyone in the family has showered or bathed for the day. A steamer is like a pressure washer except that the water is hot. You can also use a hose connected to a hot water tap to spray water on the outside of your frozen downspout. If left alone the ice dam will continue to be built up by the snow and ice up on your roof.

The calcium chloride will eventually melt through the snow and ice and create a channel for water to flow down into the gutters or off the roof. So the first step is to remove this ice and snow using a snow rake which is a retractable rake that can extend up to about 17 feet or so in length. If the ground is safe and level grab a ladder and pour warm water into the top of the frozen downspout or gutter. Hook up a garden hose to the hot water spigot that your washing machine is hooked up to.

It melts the ice away without damaging the roofing. A bit of warm water should be enough to break up frozen chunks and clear the blockage. Melt the ice with hot water.