Gardening and Horticulture - Overgrown ivy on brick

My ivy that beautifully covers a bare brick wall of my house is starting to grow into the soffit and gutters and I need to drastically trim it back. My plan is to actually remove virtually all of it and then start over with a movable trellis that I will be able to angle away from the house to trim the ivy when it completely covers the trellis. Is it easier to remove the ivy growing up the brick after its dead or while its still living? I was trying to remove it while its still green but someone said if I just cut it, after the ivy dies, it will be easier to pull off the brick.

Any suggestions on what material to construct the trellis? Should I have it made of metal - with wire - or something else? I'd love something decorative since the ivy takes a long time to grow, but I can't think of anything. Need your help on both these questions. Happy 4th!

Ivy is easier to remove when dead. A trellis should be made of metal and painted or pressure treated lumber or cedar. The idea is something that will last for many years.

Bibbus, maybe this hinged trellis would be work for you.
http://www.michaelholigan.com/departments/tvshow/seg_index.asp?ts%5Fid=5745&mscssid=9X6T9UBVM2N19HUCQUQ8G2J3N3AT0A50#

Newt