Making sure your gutters work correctly is important all year, but especially in the winter. If the gutters are blocked by leaves, twigs, acorns, or other objects, water can freeze and cause blockages that can result in serious roof, siding, and foundation damage. If you didn’t get around to cleaning your gutters in the fall, you can still do it this winter.
Dangers of Clogged Gutters in the Winter
If leaves and other debris inside the gutters freeze, they can obstruct the flow of water from rain and melted snow. Even if the air temperature is above freezing, the debris inside the gutters may still be frozen solid. Water that can’t travel through the gutters may instead pool near the roof and cause damage or overflow and damage the siding and foundation.
Ice dams that weigh down gutters can cause them to sag or even to fall down. If gutters are loose, water can come into contact with sections of the roof and cause it to rot. Water can then enter the house and cause mold. Gaps can also allow insects to cause damage and provide routes for small animals to enter the attic.
Inspect and Clean Your Gutters
First, check the seams for leaks or gaps and inspect the fascia, siding, and foundation for rotting, staining, and other signs of water damage. Make sure the gutters are securely attached to the house and that there are no gaps between the gutters and fascia. Check to see if there is water flowing to the downspouts. If it isn’t, that could mean that there is a blockage or that the gutters aren’t sloping at the proper angle.
Clean your gutters on a warm day, if possible. After you have conducted an inspection, start by removing any debris from the gutters by scooping it out. Then flush the gutters and downspouts with water from a hose to remove any remaining debris. Focus on the corners and junctions, since those are places where debris tends to get stuck. Make sure water has directed a minimum of 10 feet away from the foundation and that it doesn’t collect in pools.
If ice dams have formed in your gutters, hire a professional to deal with them. Trying to remove or break off the ice yourself could result in damage to the gutters and might even cause them to fall off the house.
Do You Need New Gutters?
If your inspection reveals that your gutters are damaged, Aladdin in Hamden, Connecticut, can install new seamless aluminum gutters that are lightweight, rust-resistant, and inexpensive. Seamless gutters can also dramatically reduce the risk of future blockages.
