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TIPS TO PREVENT FROZEN GUTTERS

WHY IT’S A PROBLEM

While frozen gutters may seem like no big deal, they are actually very destructive.  Over time, ice dams can develop and cause melted water to overflow onto your roof.  If water gets beneath your shingles, it can make its way into the interior of your home, where it can damage ceilings and walls.  If water overflows near your home’s foundation, it can cause structural damage that could result in thousands of dollars in repair costs.  When significant dams break free from a home, they can tear away shingles and gutters.  They can also damage underlying shrubs, cars and windowsills, while putting people and animals at risk.  With this in mind, it’s important to take the following steps to keep your gutters from freezing this winter.

Why Do Gutters Freeze?

There are a few different reasons why gutters may freeze, depending on your specific location and climate.  One of the most common reasons for gutter freezing is a blockage that causes water to build up and turn into ice.  This is usually the case in areas where trees drop leaves, limbs, and berries into gutters, causing buildup over the years.  This buildup will not allow water to flow adequately through the gutter, and when coupled with freezing temperatures, this rain freezes.

Another reason a gutter may freeze is due to snow or sleet build up in the gutter.  If snow starts to build up in the gutter and freezes before it can melt and flow through properly, you can have problems. This is usually the case in areas that see more snow throughout the winter. The good news is that both of these issues are preventable.

What Not To Do When Removing Ice From Gutters

Pour Salt Directly On Ice:  One of the most common misconceptions when it comes to defrosting frozen gutters is to use salt directly on the ice.  While this can help to slowly melt the ice in some cases, it can do more long-term harm than good.  Salt can corrode and damage gutters over time, which will only make your situation worse.  Not to mention, it is going to be a very time-consuming method if you decide to go this route.

Using Salt Filled Stockings:  Another commonly used method is a pantyhose filled with salt.  The thought behind this method is to not allow the salt to damage the gutters by keeping it contained in the pantyhose.  While this is a relatively safe method, it is going to take a seriously long time to get the job done.  While it may be ok for smaller jobs, this is not going to be the route you want to take when dealing with larger ice problems.

Here’s What You Should Do When Your Gutters Are Frozen Solid

Frozen gutters are a common problem for many homeowners and there are many ways to deal with the problem once it’s happened.

Use Hot Water:  One of the easiest and most effective ways to unfreeze your gutters is by pouring hot water onto the ice.  It is no secret that hot water melts ice, but getting hot water up to larger roofs may be a pain.  A common method that is used by many who use this method is hooking up a water hose up to your hot water supply from your water heater.  This will give you a constant stream of hot water that can be used to defrost the ice that is stuck in your gutters.  For those who are dealing with a smaller, more convenient spot, a pot of hot water may be easier to use.

Use a Roof Rake:  Ice dams can make frozen gutters harder to defrost as they only add another barrier of ice and snow that has to melt.  To help reduce the chances of ice dams forming, use a roof rake after a snowfall to prevent ice dams from forming.  A roof rake is an extended rake that allows you to knock down any built-up snow on your roof and keep ice from building up near your gutters.  They can also be used to clear off any branches, leaves, and debris that have gathered on your roof that would otherwise fall into your gutters.

Ways To Prevent Ice From Forming

Frozen gutters are preventable and preventing them from freezing over is the best way to maintain your home over the winter.  These solutions might require a bit of an investment of time and/or money, however, they will pay off in the long run as they are sure to add significant value to your home.

Have a Heating Panel Installed:  A popular way to treat gutters that frequently freeze over is having a heating panel installed.  A heating panel can safely and effectively melt the ice without damage to your home or gutters.  This usually requires a professional to install and will most likely be the costliest of solutions.  If you have the budget for this type of device to be installed, it will be one of the easiest ways to defrost frozen gutters.

Keep Gutters Clean:  For a more preventable approach, you are going to want to keep your gutters as clean as possible to prevent any build-up that can cause water retention.  While this may not be as effective in areas that see frozen gutters from an abundance of snow, it can be very effective for those who deal with cluttered gutters.  Cleaning your gutters yearly by hand or spraying them out with a water hose can drastically improve the function and life of your gutters, no matter what they are made of.  This will also help to prevent overflow from backups of just rain, not just ice.

Have High-Quality Gutter Guards Installed:  Homeowners that have high-quality, stainless steel mesh gutter guard systems in place can expect to slash their maintenance efforts enormously while enjoying a clog-free gutter system on a year-round basis.  Stainless steel mesh gutter guards block fine debris from entering the system which helps to prevent ice from forming over the winter season.

Ensure Proper Sloping:  Your gutters must be sloped properly to facilitate water flow.  You should also make sure your downspouts are positioned to allow melting snow to easily escape through the downspout before it has a chance to freeze.

Close Attic Bypass:  In a typical home, about a third of all heat loss occurs through the interior ceiling into the attic.  Most of that heat loss comes from air leaks caused by gaps in drywall and cracks around plumbing pipes, light fixtures, access hatches, chimneys and other ceiling penetrations.  When heat leaks into the attic, it affects the snow on the roof, causing it to melt and leak into gutters where it refreezes and causes ice dams.  You can mitigate this problem by plugging the leaks using caulk, foam and other methods.  You can also add attic vents to draw in cold outdoor air and keep your attic and roof cooler.

KEEP YOUR GUTTERS CLEAN:  One important way to keep your gutters free of ice is to regularly clean them.  Any leaves, birds nests or other debris will slow water drainage and cause ice to form. It’s important to clear all this away before the weather turns cold.  If you don’t maintain your gutters and downspouts, water will pool inside them and ice will inevitably form. It’s best to clean your gutters at least every six months, preferably in early spring and late fall.

In addition to promoting the development of ice dams, clogged gutters can cause water to back up and overflow, damaging shingles and promoting wood rot.  If the water overflows, it can impact the foundation and compromise a home’s structural integrity.  This can cause the concrete to crack and sink, resulting in thousands of dollars in needless repair costs.

During the fall, it’s a good idea to scale a ladder and use a garden hose to force water into your downspout.  If the water starts to pool up or weakly trickle out, you probably have some type of clog that needs to be removed. Even if your gutters are very clean, water will pool up if it can’t make its way through your downspouts.

Clear Snow From Your Roof:  You can get a specially designed roof rake to remove snow from your rooftop before it melts into your gutters.

Get Professional Help:  If you aren’t comfortable with heights or are simply too busy, consider hiring a professional to service your gutters.  A professional contractor can safely inspect, clean and secure your gutters and downspouts to make sure your home is ready for winter.  They can also help you take steps to ensure that your attic is properly ventilated to keep ice dams from forming.