6 Pro Tips on How to Prevent Gutter Damage from Snow
Knowing how to prevent gutter damage from snow during the winter season can be a major asset to homeowners on Long Island and throughout the area. Long Island and surrounding communities are known for heavy snowfall—sometimes rising to several inches. To make matters worse, we have our share of snowstorms and blizzards, which can wreak havoc on everything — especially gutters.
This type of harsh weather makes it easy for gutter damage to occur due to snow and ice buildup. The weight from the buildup can damage the gutter or cause it to break and fall from the roof. Similarly, ice dams may form and result in damage to the roof and gutters. Let's take a closer look at some of the ways the professionals can prevent gutter damage from snow.
What is an Ice Dam?
An ice dam is a ridge or block of ice that forms at the lower end of the roof (aka the eave) and causes a back-up of water from melting snow. Poor attic insulation and insufficient air circulation is the most common reason for the formation of ice dams. When heat escapes from the attic and melts the snow on the roof, the water should drain down the gutter.
But the water refreezes, forms icicles, and stops drainage. Ice dams can tear shingles, cause gutters to come loose, or damage the eaves, ceiling or walls. These damages and expensive repairs can be avoided with the following tips on how to prevent gutter damage from snow.
How To Prevent Snow Damage To Your Gutters
Inspect Your Gutters
Gutters should be inspected and cleaned SEVERAL times a year to ensure they function properly and are free from debris or anything else that can interfere with drainage. While standing on the ground, you can walk around your house to visually inspect the gutters and make sure they are securely attached to the house. Also inspect for leaks and for any gaps between the gutter and fascia.
The presence of any of these problems creates a potential risk for gutter damage from ice and snow during the harsh winter weather. It should be noted that during the gutter cleaning service, our professional gutter cleaners will perform an inspection to determine if any further work or adjustments are needed. We will carefully make sure your gutters are ready to endure the winter elements and offer gutter repair services if necessary.
Clean Your Gutters Ahead of Winter
Clogged gutters can create the perfect opportunity for ice damming. However, you can take a pre-emptive strike against gutter damage from snow and ice by clearing and cleaning the gutter system before winter begins.
Make sure your cleaning professionals pay special attention to the gutters, downspouts, elbows, roof valleys, eaves and fascias. Clearing away trapped debris such as fallen leaves or pieces of broken branches allows for the free flow of water from melted snow and ice to drain into the gutter and down the leaders (aka downspouts).
Reinforce Your Gutters
Reinforcing the gutters is another preventive method to shield them from snow and ice damage. Gutters that sag or hang off the side of the roof are at risk of being damaged during winter. Snow and ice can pack on pounds and weigh down the gutter trough.
Gutters that are not securely attached or properly reinforced may separate from the fascias or side of the house. In cases of severe ice damming or build up, they may break and fall from the roof. This creates a potential for roof or wall damage or injury to anyone below at the time. However, attempting to perform DIY gutter repair is a horrible idea. It's best to keep your feet safely on the ground and trust the professionals at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island.
Install Gutter Guards
Gutter guards or gutter protection strengthens and reinforces gutter systems. They help to optimize gutter functions by preventing debris from getting trapped and clogging the system. The physical barrier offered by certain types of gutter guards that work help the gutters to last longer, reduce the need for maintenance, and keep snow and ice out.
Are you on the fence about installing a gutter protection system? The experts at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island offer decades of experience with different gutter protection systems. We'll assess the situation, listen to your needs and help you make the best decision based on where you live, the number of trees around your home, and your budget.
Insulate and Ventilate Your Roof and Attic
A well-insulated roof and attic can make a huge difference in preventing gutter and roof damage from snow and ice. Insulation keeps heat from flowing upwards to the roof. Ice and snow will not have a chance to accumulate and weigh down your roof and gutter system.
Properly circulating air in the attic will ensure that the roof is uniformly subject to varying temperatures and conditions. A proper attic ventilation system also keeps the roof cool and will help prevent uneven melting of snow and ice and protect against ice dams.
Contact Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island for More Ways to Prevent Gutter Damage from Snow
Even with a durable and high-quality gutter system and the best preventive care, gutters can still get severely burdened down or damaged by snow and ice. The experts at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island specialize in gutter cleaning, ice dam removals, gutter repairs, and gutter installation. Give us a call today at 631-582-0142 to make an appointment.
