Frozen downspouts are a cause for concern. If ice blockages in the downspouts are preventing water from flowing to the drains, it might spill onto your roof and exterior, increasing the risk of leaks.
What should you do if your downspouts are frozen?
Check if There’s Ice Preventing Water From Exiting the Downspouts
See if snow, not ice blockages, is the one keeping water from flowing to the drains. If snow is to blame, simply shovel the snow near the downspouts.
Pour Hot Water Into the Downspouts
This should melt any minor ice blockages in the downspouts. You can also spray hot water on the surface of the downspouts to melt the ice. Start at the bottom of the downspout and move upward. Avoid directly heating the end of the downspout, as the water that may suddenly rush out of the spout can cause electrocution.
Preventing Ice Blockages in the Downspouts
How do you keep your downspouts from freezing? Here’s how:
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Routinely clean your gutters – Routine gutter maintenance is a must if you want to prevent ice blockages and roof leaks. If leaves, twigs, and other organic debris are clogging up the gutters, trapped water will freeze. And if you want to reduce your gutter’s maintenance needs, gutter guard systems would be a smart investment. They keep leaves and other debris from entering and clogging your gutters.
Important note: Keep in mind gutter guards can only reduce, not eliminate, your gutter’s maintenance needs. That is except for Gutter Helmet®, the only gutter guard system on the market with a Never Clean Your Gutters Again® guarantee.
Gutter Helmet of Eastern Shore offers premium gutter guard systems. To request a free quote, call us at (866) 333-8150 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Salisbury, Maryland, as well as the surrounding communities.