Prepare Gutters For Winter Weather | How To Prevent Ice Dams

Roof damage, gutter damage, and gutter ice dams can occur if your gutter system isn’t properly prepared for winter weather.

To prepare your gutters for winter, you need to clean your gutters, inspect them for any damage, and take proper precautions for ice dams.

Gutter cleaning services and regular gutter maintenance services can save you time and money preparing your gutters for winter.

Gutters are an essential part to any home and building. They have the special purpose of draining and carrying water away from a building and significantly decrease the chances of water damage, foundation damage, mildew, and mold. There are multiple different types of gutters, and downspouts, as well as preventative measures like gutter guards available for a guttering system. Unfortunately, no matter the mix and match of gutter materials you choose, you’re still at risk for gutter damage due to winter weather.

How To Prepare Gutters For Winter

Preparing gutters for winter is only as difficult as you make it. Meaning, that if you’re preparing your gutters for winter before winter weather has hit, then this will be a fairly simple task. However, if you’re in the midst of a winter storm… This task might be deemed more difficult. Luckily, regardless of the time you’re preparing your gutters for winter weather, the following steps work all the same.

Clean Gutter From Debris

If you thought you were off the hook for cleaning gutters just because it’s winter, sorry to disappoint. The first step in the process to prepare gutters for winter is to clean leaves and debris out of them. So, make sure you have some thick gloves, a sturdy ladder, something to grab debris with, and maybe even a helper. If you plan on cleaning the debris from your gutters by yourself, you might consider opting for gutter cleaning services. Ice dams in gutters start where there are clogs, so ensuring your gutters are completely debris free is absolutely crucial.

Inspect Gutters For Any Damage

How are your gutters supposed to look? We’ll tell you that they’re not supposed to be completely flat. If a gutter system doesn’t have a slight slope, then it isn’t able to fulfill its main function, which is to drain water away from your building. Similarly, if your gutter system has loose or missing fasteners, a broken downspout, misalignments, or just your typical wear and tear, then taking the proper steps for repairing your gutters is necessary. This is also a great time to inspect siding around the gutter system to look for wood rot and other water related damages. Regular gutter maintenance can actually prevent a lot of potential damage.

Realign Gutters & Add Downspout Extensions

After you’ve cleared your gutters from clogs and inspected your gutter system, the last step is to make any necessary repairs and additions. Ensuring your gutters are aligned properly can set the foundation of your gutter system functionality. In parallel, adding a downspout extension to your gutter system might be necessary depending on the surrounding area. An effective gutter downspout should send water at least 3-5 feet away from the base of your building. If you don’t have a downspout extension or aren’t sure how to properly realign your gutters, then it’s best practice to get professional help.

Prevent Ice Build-Up In Your Gutter System

Sometimes even doing all the steps we listed above, gutters still freeze and can lead to ice dams. If you’re in this boat, and are still determined to prepare your gutters for winter yourself, then add sodium chloride to your gutters. This rock-like salt melts ice in your gutters with just a little sprinkle. Other preventative measures to keep your gutters from freezing include things like clearing your roof so that more snow doesn’t fall into your gutters, install gutter guards onto your gutters, and there’s even such a thing as gutter heating cables. It’s important to note that if you opt for installing gutter guards, you have to do this before it snows and/or ices. Which Rain Guard Inc. conveniently sells and installs gutter guards!

Prepare Gutters For Winter With The Help Of Rain Guard

Winter can bring cold and unforgiving weather. For homeowners and business owners, taking note of your gutter system status is a must. Don’t let this exterior aspect of your property go left unnoticed. Prepare your gutters for winter weather with the help of Rain Guard Inc.

Rain Guard Inc is your one-stop shop for all things gutters! Whether you need gutter installation, repair, gutter guards, or downspouts, our team is well-trained, reliable, and equipped to handle any gutter-related task you require. Get started today by scheduling a free estimate. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us at one of our three offices in Oklahoma City, Edmond, or Norman. We guarantee we will answer any questions regarding gutters!