Should You Call A Professional To Take Care Of A Frozen Downspout?

A frozen downspout may seem like a common winter occurrence. In reality, it can pose a silent threat to your home's structural integrity. When ice blocks your downspout, melting snow and runoff back up into your gutters, causing strain on the system. If this continues, ice buildup can pull the gutters away from your house's fascia board or cause leaks in your basement from the overflow. Keeping gutters clean in the wintertime is crucial, but also daunting. So when should you take care of things versus calling in a pro? The answer depends on the severity of the blockage.

For minor clogs that are easy to reach, you can often resolve the issue safely on your own. But before you grab your tools, check the bottom opening of the downspout. In some cases, the issue is just snow buildup or a small ice chunk blocking the exit near the ground. And fortunately, clearing either can immediately solve the problem. 

If the blockage is higher but still within reach of a stable ladder, you can attempt safe thawing methods. One technique is slowly pouring warm water down the top opening to melt a shallow ice chunk. Another option is applying direct heat using a hair dryer or heat gun along the exterior of the downspout. Start near the bottom and work your way up slowly. There are some important safety rules to keep in mind: never hit the downspout to dislodge the ice (it will only cause damage), and avoid heating ice through the lower opening due to the risk of water and electrical contact. It's one of many downspout mistakes you don't want to make in winter.

If your DIY attempts are unsuccessful or if you immediately see any high-risk signs, calling up a professional to come fix things is the responsible choice. The most important rule is safety first. If the blockage is high up, the weather is slippery, or if you don't have a stable ladder setup, please don't attempt to climb up. The cost of a trained, professional service in this situation is minuscule compared to the potential costs that'd accompany you falling.

The biggest sign that a pro is needed is when the ice has backed up out of the downspout and into the main horizontal gutter that lines the outside of your home. Another clear warning sign is the presence of an ice dam. An ice dam is a buildup of ice above the gutter that prevents proper drainage, allowing water to pool on the roof and potentially seep under shingles and into the attic. These blockages are too complex and high-risk for the average homeowner to tackle. Gutter professionals have specialized equipment that melts ice blockages from the inside out without risking any damage to your gutters. They are trained to identify the underlying causes of blockages and may recommend preventative solutions. So when you're in doubt or if things look beyond a DIY, call a licensed and insured gutter professional to help keep your home safe this winter. You can also look into preventative measures like heat tape.