How the ice forms
In winter, roofs keep melting snow even when the air is below freezing, because sunlight and heat escaping from the house warm the roof surface. That meltwater runs into gutters and down the downspouts during the day. Wherever it comes out onto a hard surface, such as a walk, a step, a driveway or a patio, it spreads out in a thin layer and freezes when the sun goes down. The next day the cycle repeats and the ice builds up.
Gutters that are missing over an entry, overflowing because they are clogged or full of ice, or dripping from a leaking seam create the same problem by dripping directly onto steps and walks. Falls are a serious risk, especially for older adults; the CDC calls falls the leading cause of injury and death among older Americans.
Common trouble spots
- Downspouts that discharge onto or next to a walk or driveway.
- Entries and steps with no gutter above them.
- Inside corners and valleys above walks, where water overflows.
- Garage doors and aprons below roof edges without gutters.
- Splash blocks that send water across a path.
- Downspouts on the north side of the house, where the ground stays shaded and ice lasts longest.
Fixes at the downspout
Reroute the downspout
The simplest fix is often to move the downspout to a different corner, or to add an elbow and extension that sends water onto a lawn or bed instead of a walk. Moving a downspout a few feet can make a big difference. See downspout size and placement.
Run the water under the walk
Where a downspout must be next to a walk or driveway, a buried line or a channel drain can carry water under or across the paving to a safe discharge point. In cold climates, buried lines must slope steadily so they drain and do not freeze. See underground downspout drainage.
Avoid flexible extensions across walks
Extensions laid across a walk are a trip hazard and still leave water on the surface where they end.
Fixes at the gutter
Add gutters over entries
If roof water drips directly onto steps, a short gutter over the entry, with a downspout that discharges away from the steps, stops the drip line. See gutters for porches and decks.
Fix overflow and leaks
Clogged or undersized gutters overflow in a thaw, and leaking seams drip in one spot all winter. Guards, larger downspouts and resealed seams reduce overflow and drips. See fixing leaking gutter seams and gutters overflowing in heavy rain.
Address ice dams
Ice dams at the eaves trap meltwater, which then overflows or drips in new places. Attic insulation, air sealing and ventilation reduce the melting that causes them. See ice dams and gutters.
Heat cables
Heat cables in gutters and downspouts can keep a path open for meltwater on problem sections, but they use electricity and need correct installation. They are a targeted fix, not a cure for heat loss. See heat cables for gutters.
Shade, slope and surfaces
Where ice forms also depends on the site. Walks and drives on the north side of the house, under evergreens or between buildings stay in shade and freeze earliest. A walk that slopes toward the house or has a low spot collects meltwater instead of shedding it. Smooth concrete, pavers and wooden steps become slippery faster than rough surfaces. When choosing where downspouts discharge, look at the whole path water will follow after it leaves the downspout, not just the first few feet. Water released on a lawn uphill of a walk can still flow across the walk and freeze. The best discharge point sends water downhill, away from paths and drives, onto ground that can absorb it or into a drainage line.
Gutter guards and winter
Some gutter guards shed snow and ice; others hold snow on top of the gutter, where it melts and refreezes. Guards that keep gutters clear of leaves help meltwater reach the downspout instead of overflowing at the front edge. In snow country, ask the installer how a guard behaves under snow before choosing it. See are gutter guards worth it?
Snow sliding off roofs
On metal roofs, snow can slide off in a mass onto walks and entries. Snow guards hold snow in place so it melts gradually. See snow guards explained.
Salt, sand and drainage
Ice melt and sand spread on walks wash into nearby beds and drains in spring. Salt can damage concrete, pavers and plants, and sand can clog buried downspout lines and window well drains. Fixing the source of the ice reduces how much of both you need, which protects surfaces, landscaping and the drainage you rely on to keep water away from the house.
Plan it with the gutter installer
When getting quotes for new gutters, walk around the house with the installer and point out every spot that ices up in winter. Ask where each downspout will discharge and whether any will cross a walk, a step or a driveway. Downspout locations are much easier to change during installation than afterward. See how to compare gutter quotes.
Who this matters for
- Older adults and anyone with limited mobility: ice at entries is a serious fall risk. See gutters for aging in place.
- Landlords: icy entries at rental properties are a liability. See gutters on rental properties.
- Seasonal homes: ice can build up while nobody is there. See gutters for seasonal and vacation homes.
Related guides
For window wells that flood when snow melts, see gutters and window wells. For rural homes, see gutters on rural homes: wells and septic.