Common Winter Gutter Issues And How to Prevent Them

When the winter weather hits, bringing snow and ice, your home's gutter system can take a real beating. Heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can cause significant and costly issues to your home’s roof and gutters, however, there are ways you can avoid these issues.  

Common Winter Gutter Issues 

Ice Dams 

One of the biggest winter gutter issues is the formation of ice dams.  This occurs when snow from the roof begins to melt, running into the gutters and refreezing.  This forms a ridge of ice that blocks proper drainage, causing water to back up under the shingles, leading to leaks, roof rot, and interior water damage

Proper ventilation and insulation are the first steps in preventing ice dams from forming.  Make sure that your attic is adequately insulated to minimize heat loss and moisture buildup, doing this can also minimize snow melting on the rooftop.  Installing gutter guards or the Gutter Shutter system can also prevent snow and debris buildup in gutters allowing water to flow freely.  

Clogged Gutters 

Gutters clogged with leaves debris, and ice are another common annoyance in the winter month.  Blocked gutters at any time of year can't effectively drain water from the roof, once again leading to the risk of interior damage.  Excess weight can also cause the gutters to pull away from the roof.  

Ensuring that you are routinely cleaning your gutters is crucial, especially before the winter months.  Make sure that all debris is cleaned out, and check your downspouts for blockages.  The Gutter Shutter system is a great way to ensure that debris isn't even making its way to your gutters, and requires very little maintenance on the homeowner’s part. 

Leaking Gutters

Leaks and cracks in gutters are not just a winter issue, however, ice expansion and contraction can worsen cracks and lead to leaks in your gutter system.  Before the winter months hit, check to ensure that your gutters don't have any trouble spots, and repair any issues before they grow.   

Sagging Gutters 

Heavy, wet snow can overload gutters and cause sagging over time.  The weight of packed in snow and ice puts a strain on gutters, leading to cracks and eventually causing leaks.  Reinforce gutters before winter by cleaning out debris and even adding extra hangers as needed.  The Gutter Shutter system even offers a no-sag guarantee, ensuring that the gutter system will never pull away from your home.  

While winter weather can certainly threaten your gutter system, there are ways you can prevent any extensive damage to your home, from maintaining a regular cleaning schedule to installing a seamless, covered gutter system.  Contact us today for a free estimate for the Gutter Shutter system!