How to Remove Ice From the Roof & Gutter
- 1). Put on the safety harness for any ladder work. Use a safety rope to tie the ladder down. Throw rope over the roof, and secure it on the other side. Fasten to the climbing harness.
- 2). Clear gutters and downspouts of litter and debris in the fall. Remove snow periodically from the roof with the snow rake and push broom, working from the ground or the ladder.
- 3). Apply de-icer in paths 1/4-inch deep by 3 inches wide for drainage. On a flat roof, create pathways from the drains to each corner of the roof and around the perimeter. Pour de-icer around skylights, ventilators and other obstructions.
- 4). Pour hot water from a hose connected to an indoor faucet to melt ice in gutters when the outside temperature warms enough for the gutters to dry before it freezes again. Shovel snow away from the downspout, and remove ice with de-icer or hot water.
