Why Ice Forms Under Downspouts and How to Fix It

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Your roof keeps melting all winter

Heat escaping from the house and winter sunshine on shingles can melt snow on a roof even when the air is below freezing. That meltwater runs into the eavestroughs and down the downspouts. On a mild day, a lot of water can come off a roof covered in snow. If it lands on pavement, it spreads out and freezes once the sun goes down or the temperature drops.

Why the same spot keeps icing

Ice under a downspout tends to build in layers. Each afternoon adds a little more water on top of yesterday's ice, and each night freezes it again. Over a week, a small patch can become a thick, uneven mound. Because it is in the same place every time, it is often right at a door, along a path to the garage, or on a corner of the driveway people walk across every day.

Simple fixes before the snow

• Extend the downspout with a longer elbow or extension so water discharges onto lawn or garden, away from paved areas.
• Redirect it to the other side of a walkway, if the layout allows.
• Use a flexible or roll-out extension that can be repositioned if a snowbank blocks it.
• Clean eavestroughs in the fall so water does not overflow onto steps.
• Check for ice dams, which can push water over the edge of the trough.

Make sure any changes still carry water away from the foundation.

When you cannot move the downspout

Sometimes there is no good place to send the water, such as a downspout between a driveway and a neighbour's wall. In that case, plan for regular treatment. Apply de-icer in the late afternoon before temperatures drop, keep the outlet free of snow so water does not back up, and avoid piling snow where its melt adds to the problem. Let us know about the spot when you request your quote.

Ice control for problem spots

Downspout ice is a classic refreeze problem. Seasonal salting at $175 plus HST includes refreeze visits as well as freezing rain visits. If pets use the area, pet-safe de-icer is available for $120 plus HST.

How our seasonal service handles it

Our seasonal plans run from December 1 to March 31. Clearing is automatic every time 5 cm or more falls, so you never need to call or book a visit. In long storms we come back for return visits, and the City windrow at the end of your driveway is cleared as part of the service. Before the season starts we mark your edges, steps and drains so they can be found under snow. After every visit you get a timestamped photo. We are fully insured with $2,000,000 in liability coverage and registered with WSIB. Seasonal salting is available for $175 plus HST and includes freezing rain and refreeze visits, and seniors and front-line workers save 5% on seasonal plans. Prices are fixed for the season: single or 1.5-car driveways are $650 to $725, doubles are $815, and three-car, paver or stamped driveways are $1,050, all plus HST. We measure your property from City of London maps and aerial imagery and send a fixed quote within one business day. A 30% deposit reserves your spot, with the balance due before December 1.

Want this handled for you this winter? Request a free quote and we will measure your property and send a fixed price within one business day, or call or text (548) 888-8702. You can also read more about salting and ice control and residential snow removal.

What's included… and what's extra

A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Larger driveways are priced on our snow removal prices page.

Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps from $150 (walk plus up to 6 steps $175), salting $175 (including freezing rain and refreeze visits), priority early-morning clearing $125, pet-safe de-icer $120, a season extension from Nov 1 to Apr 15 for $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.