Ask Angi: What Can I Do About Frozen Gutters?

When you see those long, gleaming icicles hanging from the eaves, it usually means water is backing up somewhere it shouldn’t.

Once your gutters are frozen solid, the reality is that your best solution may be patience. There are services that can thaw gutters using steam or hot-water equipment, but expect to pay a few hundred dollars for something that may only provide temporary relief. Christian Delbert/Dreamstime/TNS

By Angie Hicks Ask Angi

Frozen gutters are more than just a winter nuisance; they’re a warning sign. When you see those long, gleaming icicles hanging from the eaves, it usually means water is backing up somewhere it shouldn’t. Left alone, that ice can warp gutters, tear them off the house, or even trigger roof leaks and full-blown ice dams. The good news: You have options for prevention, and a few choices for dealing with frozen gutters once they arrive.