A danger recognized by the RBQ
The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) says it in its winter press releases. Ice and icicles at the edge of a building are a danger to pedestrians and cars. The RBQ lists hanging icicles among the things to de-ice, along with snow on roofs, balconies and carports.
The RBQ also asks the public to respect the safety perimeters set up by owners.
The safety perimeter
Until the roof de-icing is done, the useful step happens on the ground. Keep anyone from walking underneath.
- Close off the area under the icicles with cones, tape or a barrier, while keeping well away from the wall yourself.
- Warn the people in the house and your tenants, and point them to another door if the entrance is under the icicles.
- Move any car parked under the roof edge.
- Keep children and pets away from the area.
What not to do
Do not go up on the roof. Do not climb a ladder. Do not hit icicles with a broom, a shovel or a handle, even from the ground or a window.
- A large icicle is heavy and falls without warning, sometimes along with the ones next to it.
- It is often fused to a gutter full of ice. The blow that knocks it loose can tear off the gutter or the edge of the roofing.
- On a ladder leaning against an icy wall, you are standing right under the ice you want to bring down.
What icicles say about the roof
A few thin icicles after a sunny day are normal. Snow melts at the roof edge and the water freezes as it drips.
Large icicles that come back all winter, always in the same spot, often mean the roof is losing heat and the snow is melting from below. Look from the ground for a thick band of ice above the gutter as well. That is the sign of an ice dam.
The cause of that heat loss, tied to attic insulation and ventilation, is covered elsewhere on the site.
A gutter clogged with leaves can also overflow and make icicles without the roof being at fault.
How we remove them
We close off the area on the ground first. We then work with steam, which cuts the icicle at its base and frees the gutter without impact. The pieces fall into the closed area, not at random.
At the same time, we look at what is behind the icicles. If the gutter is full of ice or an ice dam has formed at the roof edge, removing the icicles alone is not enough.
Frequently asked questions
Are icicles dangerous even when they are small?
Small, thin icicles are less of a threat and often melt on their own, but they still need watching. The danger grows with size and the height of the fall. As soon as a thick icicle hangs over a place where people walk, close off the area and have it removed.
Can I knock them down with a long pole from the ground?
No. To reach the icicle, you have to stand near where it will fall, and it sometimes brings a whole row down with it. The blow can also damage the gutter. Close off the area and write to us through the form.
Do icicles damage gutters?
Yes, icicles can damage a gutter. A gutter filled with ice and loaded with icicles carries a weight its fasteners are not always made for. If it tilts or pulls away from the wall, mention it in your request.
Official sources, consulted October 8, 2026: