Why clean drainage systems from ice and icicles
Winter in our latitudes is a constant “temperature game.” Thaws during the day and frost at night create ideal conditions for ice jams in gutters and massive icicles on the edges of roofs. Many building owners believe that this is only an aesthetic problem that will disappear on its own with the arrival of spring. However, ice in the drainage system is a “time bomb” that threatens not only the integrity of the facade, but also the safety of people around it. A professional approach to cleaning gutters with the help of climbers allows you to avoid catastrophic consequences, which always cost more than prevention.
The dangers of ignoring ice in gutters
When water freezes in gutters, it expands โ this is a fundamental law of physics. Metal or plastic drainage structures are not designed to withstand such internal pressure. As a result, the joints come apart, the brackets deform, and the pipes themselves can simply burst. But the destruction of the system is only the tip of the iceberg. The main danger lies in the disruption of water drainage during the subsequent thaw.
If the drain is clogged with ice (“ice plug”), melted water from the roof cannot enter the pipe. It begins to overflow the edge of the gutter, flowing directly down the facade of the building. This leads to wet walls, destruction of decorative plaster, and moisture getting inside the premises, which provokes the appearance of fungus and mold. In addition, the weight of ice in a clogged gutter can reach hundreds of kilograms, which often leads to the sudden collapse of the entire structure onto the sidewalk or parked cars.
Why it is worth hiring industrial climbers
Removing ice at height is a high-risk job. Using ordinary ladders in winter is extremely dangerous due to icy conditions, and aerial platforms cannot always get close to the facade due to snow drifts or narrow courtyards. Industrial climbers are the most mobile and effective solution for this task.
Advantages of using climbers to clean gutters:
- Mobility and speed: Climbers do not need time to assemble scaffolding; they can reach any point on the roof or gutter.
- Delicate cleaning: Professionals use specialized tools that allow them to remove ice without damaging fragile plastic or metal paintwork.
- Comprehensive approach: In addition to the pipes, the climber cleans the edge of the roof (cornice), which prevents icicles from forming again the very next day.
- Safety of others: Climbers work in pairs with a belayer at the bottom who secures the area and monitors the trajectory of falling ice.
- Savings: Calling in climbers is significantly cheaper than replacing the entire drainage system after it collapses.
Technology for safe removal of ice and icicles
Cleaning is not just breaking ice with a crowbar. Such a barbaric method is guaranteed to destroy the roof and pipes. Professional climbers use a “soft” cleaning method. First, dangerous icicles are removed from the eaves, then the gutters are cleared, and only then are the vertical pipes broken through. If the ice is too dense, local heating methods or special environmentally friendly reagents can be used.
An important point is to check the drain funnel. This is where the strongest blockage usually forms, blocking the entire system. The climber carefully breaks up the ice, removing it in pieces so as not to create a blockage further down the pipe. If the system is equipped with an electric heating cable, the technician must check its integrity, as the ice could have damaged the insulation during the deformation of the pipes.
Algorithm for preparing and performing work
High-quality cleaning of drains requires a strict sequence of actions. This minimizes risks and guarantees results that will last until the next heavy snowfall.
Cleaning stages:
- Preliminary inspection of the site: Assessment of ice thickness, condition of drainage fixtures, and identification of hazardous areas for falling ice.
- Fencing off the area: Installation of warning tape and a guard post at the bottom for pedestrian safety.
- Organization of anchor points: Fastening safety ropes to reliable structures on the roof.
- Cleaning snow off the roof: Removing “snow caps” (1.5โ2 meters from the edge), which are a source of water for future icicles.
- Removing icicles: Carefully cut and remove ice masses in small segments.
- Cleaning horizontal gutters: Complete removal of ice and leaf debris from gutters that obstruct drainage.
- Flushing or checking the drainage system: Ensuring that the pipe is once again clear along its entire length.
In summary, cleaning drainage systems from ice is not a luxury, but a necessary investment in the safety and durability of the building. Regular roof maintenance during the winter period allows you to avoid lawsuits from injured pedestrians, expensive car repairs, and major facade renovations. By entrusting this work to professional climbers, you can be confident that your home will withstand any winter challenges and that your drainage system will function smoothly even during the most intense thaws.
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