We don’t get much winter weather here in Hampton Roads, Richmond, and surrounding cities and we have a short and milder winter compared to other cities in the nation. However, we still get snow, occasional ice storms, and freezing weather.
Winter weather, albeit beautiful, can be a nuisance. From shoveling to winterizing our homes and laying down de-icing agents, there can be a lot to do to protect our homes from winter weather. One component of a house that works in overdrive during winter weather is the gutter system.
Just like you prep other parts of your home for winter weather, your gutter system needs some attention too. Keep reading to learn about 4 tips for caring for your gutter system in the winter to keep it protected and functioning well.
- Check the Gutters for Clogs
Ideally, you keep your gutters clean year-round. It’s no fun scaling a ladder in the cold to remove debris from gutters, but if you haven’t cleaned your gutters all year, you may need to clean them now or hire a professional gutter cleaning service. Just be sure that the ground below your gutters is free of ice, snow, or water to ensure it’s not slippery.
Checking the gutters for clogs is one way to maintain them in the winter. Because we get occasional snow and ice storms, you want to ensure your gutters are free of debris before we get a winter storm. Think of all the leaves, pine needles, acorns, and twigs that have found their way into your half-round gutters.
Clogged gutters can lead to extensive damage like overflowing/sagging gutters, interior leaks, damaged soffit and fascia boards, and even foundation damage. If you don’t feel comfortable checking your gutters for clogs yourself, ask a friend or family member to help or hire a professional gutter cleaning service.
- Examine Your Gutter System for Damage
Another thing you can do to care for your gutter system in the winter is to examine it for damage. If you have a half-round gutter system or open-top gutters, check the seams for leaks. Gutters with seams are prone to leaks as they have nuts and bolts that connect each section of the gutter system. These sections can become loose from strong wind gusts, torrential downpours, heavy snow, and general wear and tear throughout the years. If you notice any loose screws or joints, tighten them or contact the gutter installation company that installed your gutters so they can fix them.
You’ll also want to check for other signs of damage, like sagging gutters and any signs of damage to your home’s siding, soffit and fascia boards, and roof. If you notice rotted fascia or soffit, damage to your home’s siding, missing or warped shingles, or that your gutters are sagging or tearing away from your home, it’s time to contact the appropriate professional to assess and repair any damage.
- Check for Leaks
Have you ever had an interior leak in your home? They can be a downright pain to deal with, costing you a pretty penny to repair. Unfortunately, gutters can leak and cause water stains on a ceiling and damage the interior and exterior of a home. If the interior of your home has leaks, it’s a good idea to check the gutter system.
Clogged gutters can cause interior leaks. Because clogs impede water flow, it has nowhere to go, forcing it to flow over the gutters and seep into the home if it’s left to sit for some time. If you notice a leak inside your home that lines up with your gutter system, contact a professional immediately. The last thing you want is to deal with extensive damage caused by a leaking gutter system.
- Remove Heavy Snow/Ice Dams
Heavy snow that accumulates on a gutter system and roof will eventually melt – that meltwater will make its through the gutter system. Snow can also fall from the roof and collect in the gutter. Heavy snow is dangerous and puts a lot of pressure on a gutter system, potentially causing severe damage. Likewise, ice dams are very common here in Hampton Roads and Greater Richmond. Those thick pieces of ice can cause damage to your home and injuries to loved ones. Heavy snow and ice dams should be removed as soon as possible. You can contact professional snow removal companies to safely remove snow from your roof and gutters.
Winter is in full swing, so now is the time to care for your gutters to ensure they’re working their best this season. If you’re tired of performing maintenance on your gutters, consider installing the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System from Carefree Gutter Guard. Our gutter system blocks debris and pests from entering and prevents clogs. The K-Guard System can withstand all types of weather conditions, including winter weather, and prevents ice dams from forming.
Make the switch to K-Guard today to better protect your home from drainage issues during winter and year-round- contact Carefree Gutter Guard today for a free estimate!