Removing Gutters In Winter

Clogged gutters are the number one culprit of ice dams and improper water diversion.

Removing gutters in winter.

Gutter guards reduce debris like autumn leaves and winter snow accumulation which can cause blockage or weight bearing damage to your rain gutters. One way that harsh winter weather can damage gutters is ice buildup. We live in a one level ranch style home. If your gutter crosses a doorway or walkway you may have to keep an eye on those areas for any dripping or melting.

Here are just a few of the ways you can keep gutters flowing through the winter. Clean the leaves and debris out of your gutters. I can no longer go through another winter of frozen gutters ice dams and water finding a way into our home. Ice buildup in your gutters prevents the flow of melted snow to your down spouts for proper drainage.

Make sure you remove all the leaves twigs etc. Rake up and remove any debris that you remove from the spouts or the gutters. Clogged gutters ice dams and damaged gutters among other issues can all impact your gutter system s ability to properly divert water. However gutters are not always the root cause of an ice dam.

You may have to temporarily remove your hangers as you go or you can notch out the apron around them. That allows water to easily flow to the downspout. As always if you aren t up to doing the job yourself let the pro s from we get gutters clean help you out. That you can in the fall before winter arrives and freezes it up.

The gutter apron will prevent the dripping. A gutter apron is a bent piece of flashing that tucks up under the shingles and over the gutter. While your guard is frozen you may experience icicles and water melting over the front of the guard. Home centers sell a gutter apron in 10 ft.

No gutter guard is perfect though. Even high quality gutter guards can t completely prevent accumulation so regular gutter cleaning and inspection are still recommended. Use heat tape or a heating panel system. You also avoid dealing with the headache that is removing the ice dam and checking the roof for damage in the spring.

Make sure your gutters are properly sloped. By maintaining and cleaning your gutters before winter you reduce your risk of developing an ice dam. If your gutters sit flat water will just sit in the gutter and freeze. You might have to use a chimney or pipe cleaning brush to further clear the downspouts.

Rain gutters should slope 1 2 inch for every 10 feet. Another equally troubling problem are ice dams. Use a hose to rinse the gutters and send water through the downspouts. However it is always advisable to have your gutters checked before the winter.

The stacked up ice and snow causes the run off to flow over the lip of your gutters and create long icicles. In the winter. Any metal guard that is on your gutters during the winter months has the potential to freeze.