You may not think about them often, but your gutters play an important role in the health of your roof and the rest of your home’s exterior. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep them functioning properly, as without it, your roofline could form dangerous ice dams. And if you allow your gutters to get clogged with debris, this won’t allow for the proper flow of water when the snow melts.
Here’s a look at the role your gutters play in winter.
Ice Dams
While gutters don’t directly cause ice dams, they help to drain water once those ice dams have started to form. They also help to concentrate ice and water along your home’s eaves. As they fill with water and the water freezes, that ice can cause gutters to warp and rip away from your siding. This poses a danger to people below but it also causes a lot of costly damage to your home.
The true cause of ice dams originates with warm attics. When an attic has insufficient ventilation, it gets too warm, melting ice and snow on the main part of the roof, but not at the edges. This is where ridges of ice often form. It’s important to note that homes both with and without gutters have an equal chance of forming ice dams.
Tips For Maintaining Gutters in Winter
The best time of year to inspect and clean out your gutters is late fall, right before winter hits. Spring is another good time. Safety is a priority when performing gutter maintenance, so be sure to:
- Wear safety goggles
- Wear gloves
- Wear non-slip shoes
- Wear a mask
- Choose the correct ladder for the project and have a buddy there to spot you.
- If choosing to hire a gutter contractor for this job, schedule your appointment well ahead of time so you can secure the appointment you want – before winter.
1) Clean gutters at least twice per year
While you should clean out your gutters twice per year, you should also inspect them after any major storm. High winds, rain, ice, and snow can send branches, twigs, and leaves onto your roof and into the gutter.
2) Clear the roof of debris
Before roof debris has a chance to end up in your gutters, clean your roof regularly. However, roofs are slippery places, and you risk grave injury if you do this on your own. It’s best to hire a pro for this job because they arrive equipped with all the proper safety equipment and tools.
3) Inspect gutters for rust, holes, leaks, and corroded joints
Once you have cleaned your gutters and the downspouts are clear, be on the lookout for signs of leaks, rust, or holes, particularly at the gutter joints. You can use gutter patching kits for small areas of concern. However, if there are large holes due to rust or your gutters are very old, you may want to consider replacing them.
Contact Allstar Construction for Roofing & Gutter Maintenance
A properly designed and installed gutter and downspout system will protect your roof and siding from unwanted damage. Our gutter contractors offer gutter repair, replacement, and inspection, so get your online quote when you call us today.
