How Do You Get Rid Of Ice Dams In 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.

How do you get rid of ice dams in gutters.

These three methods have some unnecessary risks. If necessary use a long handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position. 1 rake the roof. Unfortunately the first method that homeowners tend to rely on when it comes to removing ice dams from the gutters is by picking at the ice with a chisel or hammer.

It melts the ice away without damaging the roofing. You may not be able to get rid of the ice dam but using this rake you can get rid of the snow that is accumulating behind the ice dam and brush it away to prevent any further water damage. Therefore you should take steps to prevent ice dams from building on your gutters. Purchase a rake with wheels on it to avoid damaging the shingles on your roof.

A steamer is like a pressure washer except that the water is hot. An ice pick or awl is best for this task though a crowbar or hatchet can work too. A combination of better sealing insulation and venting in the attic and eaves. Ask this old house general contractor tom silva explains the best ways to keep your roof and gutters free from those dreaded ice dams.

To get rid of the ice dams long term insulate the attic so there is no heat loss. You can also remove the ice dam by chopping with a hatchet using salt to melt the ice and placing electrical heat cables at the edge of the roof to continuously melt the ice. Lay the hose onto the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter. 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.

There are several things you can do to avoid getting an ice dam or to reduce the risk of damage after one has formed but there s really only one cure.