During the winter, snowmelt can refreeze inside your gutters, causing
ice dams that can damage your roof. Here’s how you can keep your gutters free of ice this winter.
Why it’s a Problem
While frozen gutters may seem like no big deal, they are actually very destructive. Over time, ice dams can develop and cause melted water to overflow onto your roof. If water gets beneath your shingles, it can make its way into the interior of your home, where it can damage ceilings and walls.
If water overflows near your home’s foundation, it can cause structural damage that could result in thousands of dollars in repair costs. When significant dams break free from a home, they can tear away shingles and gutters. They can also damage underlying shrubs, cars and windowsills, while putting people and animals at risk. With this in mind, it’s important to take the following steps to keep your gutters from freezing this winter.
1. Ensure Proper Sloping
Your gutters must be sloped properly to facilitate water flow. You should also make sure your downspouts are positioned to allow melting snow to easily escape through the downspout before it has a chance to freeze.
2. Close Attic Bypasses
In a typical home, about a third of all heat loss occurs through the interior ceiling into the attic. Most of that heat loss comes from air leaks caused by gaps in drywall and cracks around plumbing pipes, light fixtures, access hatches, chimneys and other ceiling penetrations.
When heat leaks into the attic, it affects the snow on the roof, causing it to melt and leak into gutters where it refreezes and causes ice dams. You can mitigate this problem by plugging the leaks using caulk, foam and other methods. You can also add attic vents to draw in cold outdoor air and keep your attic and roof cooler.
3. Keep Your Gutters Clean
One important way to keep your gutters free of ice is to regularly clean them. Any leaves, birds nests or other debris will slow water drainage and cause ice to form. It’s important to clear all this away before the weather turns cold.
If you don’t maintain your gutters and downspouts, water will pool inside them and ice will inevitably form. It’s best to clean your gutters at least every six months, preferably in early spring and late fall.
In addition to promoting the development of ice dams, clogged gutters can cause water to back up and overflow, damaging shingles and promoting wood rot. If the water overflows, it can impact the foundation and compromise a home’s structural integrity. This can cause the concrete to crack and sink, resulting in thousands of dollars in needless repair costs.
During the fall, it’s a good idea to scale a ladder and use a garden hose to force water into your downspout. If the water starts to pool up or weakly trickle out, you probably have some type of clog that needs to be removed. Even if your gutters are very clean, water will pool up if it can’t make its way through your downspouts.
4. Clear Snow From Your Roof
You can get a specially designed roof rake to remove snow from your rooftop before it melts into your gutters. This can be very helpful after heavy Colorado blizzards, since it reduces the overall burden on your
roofing while also protecting your gutters.
5. Get Professional Help
If you aren’t comfortable with heights or are simply too busy, consider hiring a professional to
service your gutters. A professional contractor can safely inspect, clean and secure your gutters and downspouts to make sure your home is ready for winter. They can also help you take steps to ensure that your
attic is properly ventilated to keep ice dams from forming.
Founded more than 20 years ago, National Home Improvement helps Colorado homeowners protect their most significant investments. Whether you need assistance choosing the best strategy for a home repair project or help with an insurance claim, our seasoned team can provide invaluable recommendations and unrivaled service.
Contact us today to get started.
