Rain gutters are an essential part of homes, but they are often overlooked. Homeowners know that gutters are there, but they don’t take the initiative of maintaining them throughout the year for better functionality. One thing about rain gutters is that they require maintenance and cleaning all year round. Otherwise, you will deal with a myriad of repairs, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
The harsh weather conditions during the winter months cause significant issues to your home. One thing to watch out for during the cold months is your gutter system. With the winter season just around the corner, you need to prepare your rain gutter system in Salt Lake City or other areas because snow and ice strain the roof and damage the gutters.
Learn about the gutter winter problems so that you know when to take action.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are a common gutter problem during the winter season. The problem goes back to regularly cleaning gutters and keeping them clear of debris. Clogged gutters encourage water to sit and freeze rather than drain. As a result, large chunks of ice form and freeze in the gutters. Sometimes, the large pieces of ice are layered from the buildup of several snowstorms or are heavy, and the extra weight of the ice encourages freezing of backed up water under shingles. Consequently, your roofs get damaged. Additionally, rain gutters can snap off the house completely.
Clogged Downspouts
Clogged gutters can be trouble during the winter season. If you don’t keep your gutters clear of all the debris, your downspouts will be obstructed. Rather than snow, ice, and rainwater flowing out of the downspouts as required, it freezes and blocks the entire gutter system. You can prevent this problem by making sure you get rid of all the debris in the gutters.
Icicles
The odds are that you have seen icicles when the cold temperatures set in and the snow starts to fall. Icicles form on gutters and hang from your roof if there were blockages that lead to water overflow. Icicles cause severe health conditions, and they are annoying at sight. If an icicle falls from your roof and hit someone, the odds are that it would cause injuries, and sometimes death. You may need to replace or repair your gutter system if you allow icicles to form and become heavy, something that you don’t want to deal with later in the year.
Excessive Snow Loads
You should find ways to clear your gutters often if you reside in an area prone to a lot of snow. Drains are not designed to withstand the weight of heavy, wet snowfall. You can prevent this winter problem by brushing out the snow in the gutter system so that you relieve them the strain. It also helps in maintaining an excellent condition of the gutter system throughout the season and beyond.
These are some of the gutter problems you are likely to encounter during the winter season. If you notice any of these problems, make sure you call an experienced professional to inspect and repair your gutters as soon as possible.
