The danger of frozen gutters is not a secret. When snow falls in Denver, gutters are first to get clogged. Snow built up in your gutters can freeze and prevent water from getting away. This causes ice dams that can lead to water penetration inside your home, where floors and walls may become saturated and begin to rot!
The solid ice and snow can even put a strain on your gutters, making them loosen and even breaking them off the roof. This accumulation causes various problems if not removed promptly. Moreover, it could lead to expensive damage down the line once your roof starts leaking.
When the ice freezes, it expands at an extensive rate and puts an excessive amount of pressure on your rain gutters that can cause them to crack or warp. This results in damage to the exterior of your home and, even worse – serious structural wall or ceiling damage.
To avoid having a frozen gutter, take these preventative measures this winter and enjoy a leak-free winter.
Install Gutter Guards
The most cost-effective way to prevent frozen gutters is to install metal gutter guards. Gutter guards are installed on the tops of gutters to keep them clean and are made of mesh or screen material. Water can easily flow through the gutters, but gutters guards keep leaves, pine needles, snow, and other debris out. Gutter guards prevent the entire gutter from collapsing due to frozen gutters!
Clean Gutters
The best prevention against frozen gutters is regular cleaning of gutters. You can remove the leaves and sticks from your roofs, which can clog gutters and prevent water from flowing properly. It would help if you also cleared out snow buildup as quickly as possible– so your gutters can function well and direct water away from your home’s foundation.
Be Cautious When Using Rock Salts On Your Roofs
Rock Salt works wonders on ice and snow, but before you start using it, make sure it doesn’t affect your gutters as it can cause the steel gutters to rust. Also, be careful when applying rock salt on your rooftop as it can rust nail heads. Rock salt doesn’t hurt asphalt shingles much, but it can cause the nails holding your shingles to the roof to corrode.
The best way to prevent your gutters from freezing is to take preventative measures before the weather turns cold. Clean your gutters regularly, install gutter guards, and get them inspected. If you already have frozen gutters, call a professional to help you get your gutters back working. You can keep your gutters clear of ice and prevent costly damages by following the tips mentioned above.
If your gutters start showing signs of distress, call Sol Vista Roofing. We are experts in roofing that can help diagnose the issue and provide a solution. We can also install gutter guards on your existing gutters and make sure they are ready for Denver snowstorms.
