The winter season can test the strength of your gutter system. Whether you experience harsh snowstorms or your temperatures fluctuate from cold to freezing, proper maintenance ensures that your gutters will be standing strong when spring weather arrives. Here’s a guide to help you navigate gutter maintenance throughout the winter season. Gutter Guard Rx leaf guard protection system can effectively protect your home  and gutter damage from snow and ice dams.  Call Gardner Services for your gutter Installation needs. 502-682-3373.

3 Ways Snow and Ice Affect Gutters

1. Too Much Weight 

If you get a lot of snowstorms throughout the winter season, check your gutter regularly to clear out any snow that might collect. As the snow falls, it can build up in your gutter and weigh your whole system down. As a result, cracks can form, or the build-up can force your gutter to separate from the exterior of your home. 

2. Ice Build Up

When snow and other debris get stuck, they can freeze within the gutter and create a build-up of ice. Any runoff will either get trapped and freeze over or flow over the edge and freeze into icicles. If you have a build-up of ice, check to see if you have a blocked downspout. The downspout is where the water runs off into the ground. A frozen downspout will prevent any water from flowing out of the system, and ice will continue to build-up. 

3. Ice Dams

Ice dams occur when snow on your roof melts, drains into your gutters, and refreezes in the system. Like ice build-up, ice dams, prevent proper drainage. They are damaging to your system because once the ice melts, it will seep under the shingles and damage your roofing. This type of water damage can compromise the structure of the roof and lead to interior damage as well.

How to Prevent Ice & Snow Damage

Before the winter season arrives, clean your gutter of debris and foliage. This will prevent ice from building up in your system so that melted snow can flow freely. Also, inspect your gutter for any imperfections, such as cracks or sagging gutters. If left untreated, these problems will only worsen due to the freezing temperatures. As snowfall becomes more frequent in the season, check your gutter system for any ice blocks or dams.  

Ice dams form when the ice from your roof melts into your gutter because your attic is too warm. Try adding to or improving the ventilation system in your attic, so that the roof stays cool and insulated.

Install Guard Guard Rx leaf guard protection system.

For a high-quality gutter service, call Gardner Services, located in Frankfort, KY. Owned by a professional engineer with over 60 years of experience, this business offers a variety of gutter services such as cleaning, maintenance, and repair. They use high-quality materials for their services and maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau of Kentucky. For more information about their GutterRx® system, visit their website or call 502-875-2555.