Last Updated on April 21, 2025

Getting ice out of Gutters

Ice buildup in gutters is a common problem for homeowners in cold climates. It can block the flow of water from the gutters, causing them to overflow and damage the home.

There are a number of different ways to remove ice from gutters, and the best method will vary depending on the specific situation. However, some common methods include using a hair dryer, a heat gun, or a roof rake.

Northern Touch Property Care, a leading name in gutter and eavestrough cleaning services in Toronto, frequently deals with one of winter’s most overlooked home hazards—ice buildup in gutters.

Left unchecked, ice in eavestroughs can lead to overflowing water, foundation damage, and costly repairs.

If you’re wondering how to remove ice from gutters safely, or whether you can melt ice in your eavestroughs without damaging them, you’re in the right place.

This guide outlines the best ways to clear ice from your gutters and protect your home during freezing weather.

What Causes Ice Buildup in Eavestroughs and Gutters?

The most common reason for ice forming in your gutters is improper water flow during sub-zero temperatures. But the actual causes go deeper:

• Rapid Snowmelt + Freezing Nights: Snow melts during sunny days and freezes again at night, forming ice dams in your eavestroughs.

• Poor Roof Ventilation: Warm attic air heats the underside of your roof, causing uneven melting and runoff into cold gutters.

• Clogged or Tilted Gutters: Blocked or improperly pitched gutters trap water, making them highly vulnerable to freezing.

• Wind-blown Snow: Wind can push snow directly into the gutter system, where it compacts and freezes.

📌 Pro Tip: Homeowners searching for how to prevent ice buildup in eavestroughs often overlook simple causes like downspout clogs or sagging brackets that hold standing water in place

What Makes Ice in Gutters So Dangerous for Your Home?

Icy gutters are more than just a winter annoyance—they pose structural, safety, and financial risks to your property:

🔸 Overflow & Water Damage

When ice blocks gutter drainage, melting snow backs up and spills over. This can:

• Damage foundations

• Soak siding and brickwork

• Destroy landscaping

🔸 Cracked or Detached Gutters

Frozen water expands. Over time, ice can:

• Crack PVC or metal gutter seams

• Rip gutter brackets from fascia boards

🔸 Falling Ice Hazards

As sun or heat melts eavestrough ice, chunks can fall onto walkways, pets, or people.

❄️ Fact: Toronto winters see up to 130 freeze-thaw cycles each season. That’s over 100 opportunities for ice formation and structural strain on your gutters.

Best DIY Methods to Remove Ice from Gutters Safely

Before using tools or chemicals, assess the amount of buildup. Here are safe, homeowner-friendly methods to remove gutter ice:

✅ Hair Dryer or Heat Gun (Small Patches)

• Use high heat from 6–12 inches away

• Direct heat at the ice in segments

• Avoid overconcentrating on one spot to prevent warping

✅ Roof Rake with Gutter Scoop (Moderate Ice)

• Gently rake snow buildup off the roof to reduce runoff

• Use an extendable plastic scoop or spatula to chip away loose ice in gutters

✅ Salt or Vinegar Water Soak (Large Areas)

• Mix 1 cup salt or vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water

• Pour slowly over the gutter line to melt layers gradually

📛 Avoid rock salt or direct flame tools—they can corrode metals and crack seams.

How to Prevent Ice Buildup in Gutters and Eavestroughs

Prevention is always more cost-effective than ice removal. Northern Touch Property Care recommends these proactive measures for Toronto homeowners:

🔹 1. Install Gutter Guards

Prevents leaves, snow clumps, and debris from trapping moisture that later freezes.

🔹 2. Add Heated Cables (Roof Edge De-Icers)

These lay along the eavestrough edge and automatically activate when the temperature drops.

🔹 3. Extend Downspouts and Recheck Pitch

Ensure water flows completely away from the home, and that gutters are sloped ¼ inch per 10 feet for optimal drainage.

🔹 4. Clean Your Gutters Each Fall

Clogged gutters act like ice trays. Clear them before the first snowfall.

✅ Bonus Tip: Consider attic insulation upgrades to limit heat loss through your roof, which contributes to uneven melt-freeze cycles.

When to Call the Pros for Ice Removal in Gutters

DIY isn’t always safe or practical. If you’re facing thick, frozen eavestroughs or a two-story roof, it’s time to call in the pros.

Northern Touch Property Care offers:

• Professional-grade steamers and heated tools

• Safe removal on multi-level homes

• Insurance-compliant, licensed technicians

🧰 We also include a full inspection of gutter hangers, downspouts, and nearby roofing to ensure your system’s long-term performance.

💬 Ready to protect your home from icy gutters this winter? Get a quote from Toronto’s most trusted exterior care team.

FAQs – Icey Gutters and Eavestroughs

Q1: What causes ice buildup in eavestroughs and gutters?

Cold temperatures, clogged downspouts, poor drainage, and snow accumulation on roofs are common causes of ice in gutters—especially in cities like Toronto with regular freeze-thaw cycles.

Q2: Can I use rock salt to melt gutter ice?

No. Rock salt is corrosive to aluminum and steel gutters. It can degrade seals and shorten the lifespan of your eavestrough system. Use gutter-safe de-icing solutions instead.

Q3: How much does it cost to have professionals remove ice from gutters in Toronto?

Typical ice removal service starts around $150–$350, depending on the home’s size, slope, and ice severity. Northern Touch offers bundled winter maintenance packages that include gutter inspection and heating cable consultation.

Q4: What’s the fastest way to melt ice in gutters?

Professionals use low-pressure steamers or roof-safe heating tools. For DIY, a warm saltwater solution or hair dryer (for ground-level gutters) works best.

Q5: Should I worry about ice dams if my gutters are frozen?

Absolutely. Ice dams form when gutter blockages push water back under shingles. If you notice interior leaks or water pooling behind your fascia, it’s time for urgent removal.

Don’t Let Icy Gutters Cause Costly Damage – Book Expert Help Today

If you’re dealing with frozen gutters or want to avoid winter damage altogether, trust Northern Touch Property Care—Toronto’s go-to provider [We also started operations in Vancouver BC] for:

• Gutter and eavestrough ice removal

• Heated cable installation

• Winter-proof exterior maintenance

📅 Now booking limited winter slots! 👉 Request a free quote and get peace of mind before the next freeze hits.