How To Eliminate Ice Jams In My Gutters

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.

How to eliminate ice jams in my gutters.

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. Run the other end of the. Lay the hose onto the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter. Clearing out your gutters.

Hook up a garden hose to the hot water spigot that your washing machine is hooked up to. In fact after every heavy snowfall you should use a roof rake to prevent ice dams from even building up. It melts the ice away without damaging the roofing. You can also use a hose connected to a hot water tap to spray water on the outside of your frozen downspout.

If the ground is safe and level grab a ladder and pour warm water into the top of the frozen downspout or gutter. If you re interested check out our tutorial on using roof rakes. 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. If necessary use a long handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position.

A bit of warm water should be enough to break up frozen chunks and clear the blockage. 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. Melt the ice with hot water.