Strong winds, heavy snow, and ice dams can really take a toll on your gutters in winter, which can lead you to spend extra money on repairs. When your gutter system isn’t holding up properly against the chilling winter, issues like mold, rot, and structural problems are likely to occur. So, it is important to do the necessary maintenance and improvements on your gutters so you can meet the rough winter with confidence.
Here are three great ways to protect gutters from winter weather.
Keeping Gutters Clear
During winter, the gutters work to deposit rainwater and melted snow from your home. If there is dirt and debris on your gutters, it can prevent the water from draining smoothly, causing water retention. As a result, the water will freeze up, adding unnecessary weight and damaging your downspouts and gutters.
Clearing out any debris and dirt in your gutters regularly is necessary to prevent water buildup and gutters from freezing. It is a great idea to consider investing in professional gutter cleaning, so your gutters are clear all the way through.
Leaf Relief
Falling leaves and other miscellaneous items can end up in your gutter systems. This can lead to gutter damage and other issues, such as broken windows, cracked siding, or even severe roof damage.
Gutter guards are a great option for adding extra protection and maintaining the health of your gutters. Gutter guards are designed to allow water in while filtering out leaves and debris. They help prevent gutter clogs, ice from forming, and they keep water flowing. As a result, your gutters remain protected even during extremely cold winters.
Ventilation and Insulation
Another excellent method to protect your gutters during cold winter is insulating the attic.
If your attic doesn’t have enough insulation, warm air can reach your roof, melting the snow above it. The snowmelt runs down the rooftop and the water refreezes on the edges where there is no warmth. As a result, it causes ice dams to form in your gutters.
Insulating your attic properly can help you prevent this issue. Good insulation helps keep your home warm and prevents the roof from getting overheated. You also need to install a proper ventilation system in your attic to prevent the humid air from flowing upwards to the roof and getting trapped there. A sound ventilation system allows proper air circulation, keeping the roof uniformly heated.
Professional Advice
During the winter season, it is very important to make sure that your gutters are in good condition and working effectively. Regardless of which methods you choose to apply, the key is to pay attention to how bad the weather gets, take good care of your gutters, and hire a professional to help when you need it.
Horizon Roofing and Construction can help. We have been guiding homeowners in Michigan to protect their homes from ice dams and water damage during winter. Equipped with our team of experienced, hardworking gutter technicians, we can take care of your gutter installation, repair, and maintenance needs. Contact us today.