Winter can be one of the most unpredictable seasons for homeowners, particularly in places where temperatures frequently drop below zero. For this reason, it seems sense to give your house a few general maintenance tasks before winter sets in.
The first thing on your maintenance list should be to get your gutters ready for the impending snowy season, if you haven’t already. Not sure where to start? Continue reading to learn more.
1. Clean the debris
Leaves, sticks, and other debris can accmulate in your gutters during the summer and fall. The idea is straightforward: excessive amounts of debris in the gutter lead to clogs, and large issues result from clogged gutters. A number of problems that could result in water damage to your house can be brought on by clogged gutters. And throughout the winter, they pose an even greater menace. An ice accumulation is a nightmarish situation that can happen very rapidly when there is slow water flow and frigid temperatures. Before winter truly arrives, do yourself a favor and make it a practice to do gutter cleaning in winter once the last of the leaves have fallen.
2. Check gutters for leakage
As one might expect, a gutter that leaks isn’t functioning properly. Make sure to thoroughly inspect your entire gutter system for leaks as you prepare for winter. The rot of siding, soffit, and fascia can be brought on by a leaky gutter. Water may even collect close to your foundation due to a malfunctioning gutter, which might result in flooding or even structural damage. It’s crucial to thoroughly inspect your gutters for leaks before winter brings its glory.
3. Pay attention to downspouts
Make sure you take the time to examine the downspouts and diverters in addition to making sure your gutters are free of debris and leaks. As they direct water away from your house, downspouts are crucial components of your gutter system. Water should ideally be redirected by downspouts at least ten feet away from your foundation. If not, you can purchase inexpensive, pliable extenders to help you divert water away from your house.
4. Protect against ice dams
You want to take every precaution possible to keep “ice dams” from building in your gutters when the cold weather arrives. Long ice chunks called “ice dams” can build up along your gutters and seriously obstruct them. The issue then emerges when your roof’s snow and ice melt and enter the gutters. Your gutters become blocked by ice, which causes water to collect behind it and then run up and under your shingles. Water will start to seep into the soffit, walls, and even ceilings in this unfavorable scenario.
Also Read: Steel vs. Aluminum Gutters: Comparing Materials, Cost, and Durability
5. Avoid heat loss
Air leaks in your attic space are often the reason why snow and ice melt off your roof. This may be the result of improper insulation, gaps between drywall sheets, or even open walls.
Even though they can be challenging to keep an eye on, it’s worthwhile to visit your attic and thoroughly inspect the space. Find any potential air leaks and seal them with caulk, spray foam, or insulation. Speaking of insulation, you might need to install additional if the amount in your attic is less than 8 inches in order to stop significant heat loss.
6. Put heat cables
Even if you take every precaution to keep your roof free and cool during extremely severe winters, you may still end up with an ice dam. You might think about putting heat wires in this situation. You can install these electric heating cables at the roof’s eaves, downspouts, and gutters, or anywhere else an ice dam might form. Water cannot infiltrate beneath your shingles because these wires melt ice that accumulates in areas where ice building frequently happens.
The Conclusion
Looking for the most effective snow and ice removal from gutters? Want to know gutter cleaning cost in Walnut Creek? Sunshine Gutters Pro is a top-rated gutter company that has been offering reliable gutter installation, rain gutter repair, and home gutter cleaning in Martinez.
Disclaimer- The information provided in this content is just for educational purposes and is written by a professional writer. Consult us to learn more about DIY gutter maintenance for winter.
