Allowing ice to build up in gutters forms an ice dam that is really hard to get rid of. To nip this problem before it happens, do some "Spring Cleaning" this season.
First, clean out your gutters and keep in mind that anything designed to catch the leaves and needles and keep them from getting into the gutters can also be a problem when it comes to ice buildup. The barriers create crevices that trap ice and snow.
To be proactive for the Winter, install heat tape in gutters and downspouts. Heat tape is the easiest way to stear clear of ice. Heat tape is simply a long strip of electrically heated, rubberized cable. It is available in different lengths to meet your home's needs. Heat tape has a grounded 3-prong plug at one end, and is plugged into a properly grounded, GFCI-protected electrical outlet. The tape is placed inside the gutter or you can clip it to the sides of the gutter. You can then control the activation of the tape when the temperature outside turns to a certain level. This will prevent the ice from forming.
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