How To Safely Remove Icicles From Gutters

What is an ice dam.

How to safely remove icicles from gutters.

Large icicles can weigh quite a bit and hitting them can cause pieces to crash all around or break off new pieces that can strike from above you. Don t try to remove thick. While standing safely on the ground hold a long handled aluminum rake and use it to scrape the snow and icicles off your roof. Our experts share fast fixes for ice dam removal long term repair and prevention tips.

Before proceeding you should know what risks come with removing icicles from your gutter yourself. For small icicles less than a foot long and an inch wide you can remove them yourself with something like a telescoping snow rake available at hardware stores. The icicles dripping from gutters across the region aren t going away anytime soon since the weather forecast calls for sub zero temperatures for the next few days. To prevent icicles from forming in the first place clean out gutters before freezing temps hit to keep items like leaves from clogging the downspouts and allowing water to build up says jason miller a merchandising director for lowe s.

The long handle on the rake allows you to remove icicles and. Icicles are usually one of the first warning signs of possible ice dams on your roof. After snow falls use a roof rake to remove all snow and ice as soon as you can. Icicles may be pretty but they can tear off gutters loosen shingles and cause water to back up into your house.