Ice buildup can be dangerous for you and your home. Removing it can be tough as well, so it’s important to know how to remove ice without causing further damage. This guide covers how to handle ice control safely.

3 Tips for Safe Ice Removal

1. Sidewalks & Driveways

Ice buildup on walkways near your home can cause people to slip and fall. Thin layers of ice can be dissolved with a de-icer. Keep in mind that this water will freeze again overnight, so add a layer of gravel or kitty litter to improve grip. Thicker ice can be chopped up with a shovel, but be careful not to damage the concrete or wood surface below. If you’re afraid of damaging your walkway, place snowmelt mats on the surface for a secure grip that won’t cause damage. 

2. Icicles

While icicles are beautiful, they are dangerous and should be removed immediately. Falling icicles can seriously harm people walking below. Before attempting to remove them, use an upper window or ladder to get a view of the root of the icicle. It may be attached to chunks of ice in your gutters or on the roof. Keeping this in mind, stand far from the icicle you are knocking down and use a long pole to tap the ice until it falls. Ensure you are nowhere near the icicle's falling point or any additional debris it may bring down. Repeat this process until all icicles have been cleared. If you are unsure how to remove large icicles safely, contact an ice control company for help.

3. Frozen Gutters

If you have significant snow and ice buildup around your home, you may have blockages in your gutters. When the snow begins to melt, it drips down to this area but may get stuck due to the buildup. This can cause water to freeze in your gutters, which can cause them to break or cause water to flow into your house. Before clearing your gutters, remove all snow from your roof so it doesn’t slide down and create the problem all over again. Then, fill a pair of pantyhose with calcium chloride and place it in your gutters where the buildup is. The chemicals will melt the snow and create an opening. When the temperature is above freezing, you can also transport hot water to your gutters to clear a path.

If you need professional help with ice control for your home, contact DCM Landscaping LLC & Total Lawn Care in Nekoosa, WI. These professional landscapers specialize in snow removal and landscaping services. They will clear your home of hazardous ice, keeping you, your family, and your home safe. Visit them online for a full list of services, or call (715) 325-5548 to schedule an appointment.