Gutter blocked with ice - need advice

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Author Message   Mummite Citizen Username: Mummite Post Number: 91 Registered: 6-2003 Posted on Thursday, February 3, 2005 - 11:01 am:        We had a new patio sliding door put in last winter. This winter we were remiss and didn't clearout the gutters - they are now full of leaves and HUGE block of ice over the door. Ofcourse as it melts water is leaking down through the top edge of the door into the house. 1.How can I get the ice out of the gutter? 2. Shouldn't the door seal be better than that to stop it coming in to the house? The installers can't come out til next week to take a look. Thanks   peteglider Citizen Username: Peteglider Post Number: 928 Registered: 8-2002 Posted on Thursday, February 3, 2005 - 11:42 am:        In terms of the ice -- been there! Had a short section of gutter (maybe 5 feet) above the front door. First I brushed off all the snow I could from the area around the roof and gutter. Then I used lots of HOT HOT water until much of the ice melted, then put heating tapes in the gutter, which *slowly* took care of the problem. Kinda dangerous -- standing on a ladder with pots of boiling water. Oh yeah, also a hammer and chisel to get the big chunks of ice out (BUT DON"T break the gutters!). In terms of the door -- my bet is you also have ice damming, and the water is seeping behind the siding, not so much leaking down the top edge of the patio door. Isn't winter great for the house! Pete   Bobkat Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 7475 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Thursday, February 3, 2005 - 12:02 pm:        It sounds like whoever installed your door didn't flash, or improperly flashed the top. This is usually called a drip cap.   Mummite Citizen Username: Mummite Post Number: 92 Registered: 6-2003 Posted on Thursday, February 3, 2005 - 1:20 pm:        Thanks Pete- Tried deicer & chisel - thought it was safer than water!, but will get the kettle boiling! Bobk- great-its good to know some terminology so they think I know what I'm talking about when the installers come.....!   Bill232 Citizen Username: Bill232 Post Number: 5 Registered: 3-2003 Posted on Thursday, February 3, 2005 - 1:58 pm:        If other methods do not work, as a final alternative you may want to use rock salt. This is not recommended for continus use due to what salt can due over a period of time . But its the lesser of the evil with water already leaking into your home. It may sound strange but the best way is to fill cut sections of nylon panty hose (you will have to ask you wife for old pairs) with the salt and tie a Knot at both ends. Place several of these on the ice to help melt it away. Good Luck.   Jgberkeley Citizen Username: Jgberkeley Post Number: 4179 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Thursday, February 3, 2005 - 2:30 pm:        The best is to use Ice Wire. Plug it in and lay the coils of warm wire over the ice block. Once melted, then install the ice wire per the directions and lay some in the gutter. This will solve the problem.