Ice Dams and Icicles: Protecting Your Gutters in a Toronto Winter
Long icicles look pretty, but in the GTA they are usually a sign that water is freezing in the gutter and along the roof edge. That ice can tear gutters off the house and push meltwater under the shingles.
How ice dams form
Heat from the attic melts snow on the upper roof. The water runs down to the cold eaves and gutters and refreezes. When the gutter is already full of leaves, the ice builds up much faster and a dam forms.
What helps
- Clean gutters before the first freeze so meltwater has somewhere to go.
- Make sure downspouts are clear and their extensions are not buried in snow.
- Re-secure loose gutters — ice adds a lot of weight and loose hangers fail first.
- Improve attic insulation and ventilation to keep the roof deck cold.
- Heat cables in problem spots, installed along the roof edge and inside the downspout.
What not to do
Don't chip ice off the gutter with a hammer or shovel — it damages the gutter and the shingles. Don't climb an icy ladder. If a section is pulling away under the ice, call a professional.
More guides: How often to clean gutters · Signs of a clogged downspout · Fixing leaking gutter seams · Choosing gutter size: 5", 6" or 7"