Gutters Winter Weather

How Do You Protect Your Gutters from Winter Weather?

Gutters can get damaged or clogged any time of the year, but they are most likely to encounter problems during the winter. Winter is the time when rain and snow can get into your gutter and freeze up causing damage to your roof.

 

There are steps you can take to protect your gutters from winter weather and your roof safe during this cold season. Here’s what’s recommended.

Clean Your Gutters

It’s important to clean your gutters before the cold sets in. Leaves, twigs, and other debris will combine with snow and ice to make clogs even worse. And if water drips on to the ground, it will create a slipping hazard. Find out the best methods for cleaning your gutters before winter arrives. 

Trim Your Trees

Leaves from trees above your home can fall into your gutter contributing to clogging. The limbs can also get frozen and snap and fall onto your roof doing damage. It’s best to talk to a tree service professional about trimming your trees before it gets truly cold. 

 

Do a Test Run

You can test out the efficacy of your gutters by running water through them with a garden hose. This will help you determine if there are any leaks or clogs so you can address them before you run the risk of dealing with a more serious issue.

Install Gutter Heat Tape

In the winter, water can freeze in the gutters causing ice dams to form. These are ridges of ice that form on the edge of the roof and prevent melting snow from draining off the roof. You can keep water dams from forming by installing a heat tape or an electric heating cable on the gutters. They will produce heat to prevent water from freezing on your roof.

 

If you choose to install electric cables, you must be careful. They produce a lot of heat so they must be installed correctly. If they overlap, they will overheat and cause significant damage. It is best to install them in a zigzag pattern. 

 

Use De-Icing Compounds

A de-icing barrier will melt ice and snow on your roof preventing ice dams. You can take an old pair of pantyhose and fill them with a de-icing compound such as calcium chloride and lay them across the roof. The chemicals will melt the ice, so it doesn’t accumulate in your roofs and gutters.

 

During the winter it’s important to keep your roof and gutters protected. These five tips will ensure they hold up well when it rains and snows. 

 

If you need assistance getting your roofs and gutters winter ready, or if you are dealing with damage from winter weather, do not hesitate to call North Texas Gutters. We will address all of your gutter needs.  

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