The harsh impacts of snow, ice, and heavy rain can wreak havoc on your gutters. More than that, the effects on the gutters can lead to serious damage to other areas of your home. When you understand how winter weather affects your home’s gutters, you can take proactive steps to prevent unnecessary damage.
Heavy Weight
Ice and snow can build up on your gutters. This weight can rip the gutters away from your home. In addition to preventing water from running off the roof and away from the foundation, the process of gutters pulling away from the house can damage the fascia, roof, and even exterior walls of your house. To mitigate the effects of this weight, consider installing heating cables in the gutters. These cables melt the snow and ice to prevent a heavy buildup.
Ice Dams
Ice dams occur because of uneven heating on the roof. On some areas of the roof, the snow and ice will melt. The water melts only to refreeze farther down the roof and on the gutters where the surface temperature is still below freezing. This re-freezing process allows ice to build up thickly, creating excessive weight. In addition, the water pooled up behind the dam increases the likelihood of a water leak. To prevent uneven roof heating, improve the insulation and ventilation in your attic. Working with a professional to clean out the gutters regularly and installing heating cables are also beneficial steps to take.
Clogged Downspouts and Gutters
Even light snow or ice can result in property damage if the gutters and downspouts are clogged with leaves and other debris. In autumn, leaves accumulate quickly in gutters and downspouts. When they are moistened by rain, they mat up and create a significant clog. While cleaning is important year-round, gutters should be cleaned more frequently in the autumn.
Water Leaks
As winter temperatures fluctuate, water in the gutters can freeze and thaw repeatedly. Because water expands when frozen, this creates pressure in the gutters. The joints and seams will gradually weaken and separate, allowing water to drip and flow down the exterior walls of your home and accumulate near the foundation. These water leaks result in mildew, wood rot, and foundation damage. When a professional cleans the gutters in the fall, they will also re-seal the joints and seams and repair separations from the fascia to get your gutters ready for winter weather. During the winter, you should also have a professional periodically clean the gutters to prevent ice buildup.
If you need to learn more about the condition and service needs of your gutters, an expert can help. Contact Bachman’s Roofing in Allentown, PA for gutter service today.