What Not to Do When Your Downspouts Are Frozen

Downspouts are an important part of your home’s exterior. They help to direct water away from the foundation and prevent basement flooding. In cold climates like Millersville, MD, frozen downspouts can become a problem during winter. It is important to take measures to ensure that these downspouts remain free-flowing and do not become blocked with ice. 

Here are some tips on what NOT to do when you have frozen downspouts in Millersville.

Pouring Hot Water on the Downspouts

It may seem like an easy fix to pour hot water over the frozen downspouts to melt the ice, but this can do more harm than good. The temperature of the hot water will cause any surrounding ice to expand and freeze further, causing it to become even more blocked. This could result in a pressure buildup that could damage your downspouts or even rupture them altogether. 

Trying to Chip Away at the Ice

Another thing you should avoid is trying to chip away at the ice to get it out of your downspouts. Not only is this dangerous and could result in injury, but it can also cause damage to your downspouts. 

Melting Ice With an Open Flame

Never attempt to melt the ice with an open flame as this can be extremely dangerous and potentially lead to a fire. Furthermore, it is possible for the heat from the flame to cause damage to your downspouts by melting or warping them. 

Ignoring the Problem

It can be tempting to ignore the problem of frozen downspouts in Millersville, MD, and hope that it will go away on its own. However, this is not a good idea as ignoring the issue could lead to serious damage if the ice continues to build up and cause blockages or pressure buildup. 

If you have frozen downspouts in Millersville, MD, it is important to take action to prevent further damage. Contact Gutter Helmet® for a free estimate on our gutter protection systems to keep your downspouts and gutters clear and ice-free all winter. We also provide the best gutter guard systems and rain gutter covers for homeowners in Millersville and the surrounding areas. Fill out our online form or call (800) 824-3772 today.