How to Clear an Ice Dam From a Gutter
- 1). Remove the snow from the roof and ice dam area with a roof rake. A roof rake is a soft rake with handles up to 14 feet long so you can work the rake from the ground. They are available at home improvement centers. Remove the snow from at least the last 3 feet of the roof line.
- 2). Set up an extension ladder near the area of the ice dam. Have someone hold the bottom of the ladder securely as you climb up to the ice dam in the gutter. Do not climb on the roof when there is snow and ice.
- 3). Place the blade of a cold chisel over the center of the ice dam and hit the handle with a hammer. Continue breaking the ice away in small chunks. It is not necessary to break completely through the ice dam or remove it completely. You just need a small channel away from the roof line.
- 4). Install a cutting blade into a cordless rotary tool to cut a channel into the ice dam if possible. The rotary tool with a cutting blade often is quicker.
