HOW TO PREVENT ROOF GUTTER FREEZING – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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HOW TO PREVENT ROOF GUTTER FREEZING

It’s common for gutters to freeze if they’re not clear of debris or protected with a gutter protection system.  However, it’s not really normal, nor is it something you can take lightly should it happen.

If there’s debris buildup inside your gutters, it may block the flow of melting snow and ice, resulting in water retention.  When temperatures drop, the retained water freezes, adding extra weight to your gutters.

The added weight can cause your gutters to bend, warp, and break away from your roof, which may damage your roof.  Additionally, frozen gutters trap snow and ice on the surface of your roof, which can damage or loosen your shingles, weaken your roof, and cause leaks inside your home.

To keep your gutters from freezing during the winter months, install gutter guards or clean your uncovered gutters.  This will prevent debris blockages that lead to frozen gutters.  You can also sprinkle a safe de-icer, such as Magnesium Chloride, in your gutters to prevent ice formation.  For an automatic de-icing solution, add heating elements that keep your gutters from freezing.

What Causes Gutters to Freeze?

Gutters often freeze when debris or blockage prevents drainage.  Trapped snow and ice can’t exit even when it thaws, so it refreezes and builds up a thick layer. However, sometimes the elements are against you in regions with heavy winter snow, sleet, and freezing rain.  But even clean gutters can freeze.

  • A blockage that causes snow and ice to collect

  • Natural weather patterns of snow and freezing rain

Both debris-caused and natural causes of frozen gutters can be prevented.  With the right tactics, you can keep your gutters ice-free throughout the winter without issue.

What are the Dangers of Frozen Gutters?

Frozen gutters are put under immense strain.  The weight of solid ice, compacted snow, and hanging icicles can tear your gutters loose from your home, necessitating costly repairs.  Ice-clogged gutters also cause backups that lead to water infiltration and roof leaks.

  • Damages or destroys gutters

  • Causes roof leaks

Rather than deal with expensive gutter repairs, or be forced to contend with a leaky roof, it’s best to take the right steps to keep gutters free of ice.

Ways to Stop Gutters from Freezing This Winter

No one wants to spend their winter outside, trying to de-ice gutters when you’d rather be warm indoors.  The methods below are safe and effective ways to prevent your gutters from freezing, so you can relax this winter.

Install Gutter Guards

The best way to make sure your gutters and downspouts don’t freeze due to blockages is by preventing debris from entering your gutters.  A metal gutter guard with perforations is the best way to filter out debris and prevent gutter clogs.  They also work as a shield, preventing snowfall from filling the gutters and compacting.

  • Use gutter guards to block debris, snow, and ice from entering your gutters.

  • Some gutter guards include heating elements to thaw built-up snow and ice.

There are a few companies that install heated gutter guards that prevent snow and ice buildup.  These serve a dual purpose by both keeping your gutter’s blockage free and keeping ice from forming there.

Clean Your Gutters

A fall gutter cleaning is essential to keep your gutters from clogging once the snow begins to fall.  Often, snow will compress and melt to exit clean gutters. However, if leaves, sticks, pine needles or acorns are blocking your gutters, the snowmelt may re-freeze into solid ice. This is what leads to frozen gutters.

  • Clean gutters and downspouts in fall, once leaves have mostly stopped falling.

  • Use this gutter cleaning tool to clean gutters without using a ladder.

  • Inspect gutters after cleaning to make sure they are free of debris.

Make sure that your downspouts are included in your cleaning.  Frozen downspouts are most commonly caused by debris blockage, and if your downspout doesn’t drain properly your entire gutter is likely to freeze solid.

 Attic Insulation

Another way to prevent ice dams from forming is to make sure your attic is properly insulated and sealed.  If you have heat escaping from a certain spot in your attic, it can create the conditions for ice dams to form.  The heat escaping will cause snow and ice to melt off the roof and travel down the roof into your gutter, where it can turn back into ice.

Although it can be challenging to identify these spots on your roof, the reward is definitely worth it.  Not only can you prevent ice dams, but you could also lower your home’s energy costs.

Apply Heat Tape to Your Gutters

You could also consider heat tape, also called heating cables, which can cause ice dams to melt.  However, they’re notoriously ineffective in snowy climates.

The cycle of freezing and melting snow can cause ice dams to become even more problematic.  Shingles may become damaged, and heat cables can elevate the risk of an electrical fire.

Consider Alternative Roofing Materials

A less common but equally effective method to winterize gutters is upgrading to a smoother roofing style, like a metal roof.  A metal roof can prevent a thick, fluffy layer of snow from settling on the roof and freezing.

Keep in mind this requires long-term planning and budgeting.  Metal roofs often come with a high price tag, but they also have a longer lifespan than traditional roof styles.

 

Leave It to the Pros

Preventing ice dams from occurring is perhaps the safest, most effective way to deal with this wintertime nuisance.  With proper care and maintenance, the majority of ice dams can be avoided.

But, while these methods can be effective, calling for professional help is always an option for preventing damages to your house and yourself.  Winter weather can bring with it a host of headaches for homeowners, but with proper prevention and care you can help mark frozen gutters off your list of winter woes.