Whether you own a residential or commercial property, it’s critical to have properly working gutters. Otherwise, when it rains, a mere inch of precipitation can do quite a number on your roofing, as well as your property as a whole.

An inch of rain may not seem like much, but can easily translate into as much as 1,800 gallons of water pouring down onto your property over a short span of time. Without reliable rain gutters and good gutter protection in Western Kentucky, rain can wreak havoc not just on your roofing, but also on your walls, insulation and the very foundation of your home.

If you want to keep your home both sturdy and beautiful inside and out, painstaking care and maintenance on your part should be a priority. This means recognizing and dealing with any problems in your home promptly and consistently — especially issues concerning your gutters. When your gutters begin to sag, pull away from the structure or start to show cracks, these are definite signs you need to get your gutters fixed or replaced pronto.

Unfortunately, homeowners sometimes don’t realize how important it is to take the time to carefully choose a reliable company to provide the gutter replacement services they need.  But what, exactly, should you look for in a gutter replacement company?  Here are the “Golden Rules” you should follow when searching for a gutter professional in Western Kentucky.

Do Your Research

Shop around for the best local company for your rain gutter needs by reading online reviews, as well as asking friends and neighbors for solid recommendations, especially those who’ve recently had similar work done. Also, it would be a good idea to use a local company. It’s important to work with a gutter company that’s familiar with the area because they’ll likely be much more committed to their customers’ satisfaction. Plan on hiring an established contractor like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky with a good client base and superior scores and reviews.

Request Estimates and Quotes

Finding a contractor that meets your requirements and fits your needs to a T can be easier than you realize. You can better validate your choice, for instance, by asking for detailed written estimates of the work to be performed. An experienced gutter contractor like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky will come out to your home to measure the length of your roofline so he can provide an accurate quote. Gutter systems should be custom built to fit your home’s roof — no ifs, ands or buts about it.

Important Questions to Ask

Besides asking about the contractor’s qualifications, you need to ask about the specifications of the products they carry, so you’ll know you’re getting the best. Be sure to ask specific questions, such as:

What kind of gutters do I need? You don’t have to be a gutter expert to find the right gutters for your home. Just pick a reliable gutter company and make sure that your contractor offers downspouts that are capable of keeping water away from your home’s foundation. The best gutters on the market today are seamless, and here’s why:

Professionally installed seamless gutters provide the best possible protection for your structure. This is because seamless gutters have joints and fasteners only at the corners and downspouts, so leaks are minimized.

Seamless gutters look more attractive when installed on your home and require very little maintenance. Since they don’t have joints, they require less cleaning compared to sectional gutter systems, as they’re less prone to debris accumulation and clogs.

Seamless gutters have lower maintenance requirements and repair costs. with a longer lifespan that allows them to pay for themselves over time.

Should I install gutter guards? Ask yourself how much time you want to spend cleaning your gutters. It really doesn’t take very long for unprotected gutters to fill up with debris. Rotting leaves and insect or bird’s nests can all lead to clogs and leaky, overflowing gutters. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll have gutter covers in Syracuse installed to protect your gutters and keep water flowing smoothly. You’ll also likely appreciate a heating system for your gutters that helps prevent damage from the buildup of ice and snow.

The Benefits of Hiring a Pro

Gutter replacement may seem like an easy enough project for a homeowner to handle on their own, or maybe with a little help from friends. However, taking the time to find and hire a qualified professional to perform the gutter work to be done on your property is truly worthwhile. A few reasons why include:

Work safety. Getting up on a roof for any reason can be scary, particularly if you’re doing work such as a gutter repair or replacement job. Many people don’t realize how difficult the work can be until they actually see things from a higher vantage point. Even if you had imagined the work would be difficult, actually doing the work could prove nearly impossible at such a height for someone inexperienced. Working up high under the heat and glare of the sun can quickly intimidate an untrained homeowner. Add to that the danger of slipping and falling, and you may want to reconsider and keep both feet firmly planted on the ground. Professionals like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky practice required safety measures, and thus can more competently handle your gutter installation or repair project.

READY FOR A FREE QUOTE?  Contact us at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky for a FREE ESTIMATE by calling (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today!

Spring is here and the warm weather is looking to make life a little bit more pleasant for you, but before you embark on doing some crafty kitchen remodeling treat your rain gutters to some quality care. Rain gutter cleaning is essential to maintain a top-notch water draining system. Today, your team of gutter experts at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky want to share some helpful spring cleaning tips to keep your rain gutter system functioning smoothly.

Most homeowners pay very little attention to their gutter system, but by cleaning out rain gutters every so often it will ensure prime performance. No one wants to experience water clogs from sudden rainfall in spring and summer. Water damage from improper gutter systems lead to damage in your roof’s shingles, fascia, siding and cause a need for rain gutter repair. In the most extreme cases, water damage can lead to expensive damage to the home’s foundation.

Spring Cleaning

Removing blockages of leaves, twigs, branches and any other debris is vital at this time of year. There are lots of ways to clear out your gutter system, the most effective is by having a rain gutter specialist from Gutter Boyz of Kentucky pay a visit to your home to inspect for damage and cleaning treatment. Of course, we know how important it is to pinch pennies, so cleaning can be done by the homeowner if they choose to do so.

On a dry day it is simple to remove any debris from the gutters. First, check the downspout for any contents by inserting a water hose into the entrance closest to the ground, turn the water on and hold it there for a few seconds or until most debris is removed.

Next, you can inspect the gutters along the house to remove debris by hand or water hose. Most homeowners find it easier to spray the pipes with water or a leaf blower, but you will have to collect the contents from the ground in the end. If you have more time to clean by hand, it is best to keep a small trash bag with you while on a ladder or on top of the roof. As always, be sure you are not alone when working high above the ground, so have a friend or relative hold the ladder for you to save yourself from even more troubles.

After the debris is removed, inspect the gutters for corrosion, holes, sagging or leaks. Also be sure there are not any missing or loose fasteners to prevent from unexpected buckling. It is important to check for sagging gutters, if any section of the gutter system is bent or damaged, give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky and we will be glad to schedule a time to come out and repair your gutters.

Call for Rain Gutter Repair

We know that not everyone can apply thorough cleansing and restoration project for their gutter system, so we are here to clean, repair and replace your rain gutters whenever you need it most.  Contact us for a FREE QUOTE buy calling (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today!

You have heard the saying before, “April showers bring May flowers.” Rain showers are inevitable. If you want to prepare for all of the spring showers, gutters should be at the top of your list.

Your home should have a good gutter system as a way of dealing with the water as it comes down.

Why Do Gutters Matter?

There are a lot of benefits to having the proper gutters installed on your home. You will be able to avoid foundation problems because of guiding water away from the home. It will also keep the soil around your home stabilized. As such, you can also prevent flooding under the house as well as in a basement.

If you have ever noticed water damage to the side of your home, this can be prevented with the proper gutter as well. You will also be able to reduce water staining on brick and stone masonry and prevent cracks in sidewalks, patios, and driveways. Additionally, garage doors and exterior doors can be preserved more effectively.

Get Gutters Installed

Properly installed gutters will ensure you have a system to deal with rainfall based on the shape of your home as well as how water runs based on the pitch of your roof and the slope of your land. Seamless gutters will be on the edge of every sloped roof.

Your downspouts will terminate away from the foundation of your home. Typically, there will be at least a three-foot diversion from your home. It will ensure that the water flows away from your home as well as landscaping so you don’t have to deal with puddles and ponding.

Gutter Maintenance

It is important to understand that there will be some gutter maintenance to be done along the way. You will want to keep them clean so that they remain in working order. Leaves, weeds, grass, and more can accumulate in your gutters.

By cleaning them out, you can avoid water damming, leaks, mosquitoes breeding in the area, and eventual failure of the gutters. Since you want your gutters to last a long time and do their intended job, you simply have to keep them clean or hire a gutter cleaning service to come out once or twice a year.

The next time it rains, you don’t have to be frustrated that you have a leak in your basement or that your mulch has gotten washed away yet again. Sheets of rain shouldn’t come off of your roof by any of your doors, either. Gutters will make it much more bearable to deal with the rain. Plus, it will be a great maintenance tool to keep your home safe from such things as floods, mold, stagnant water, and issues with your foundation. You might be surprised by just what an impact gutters can make on your home.

If it is time for new gutters on your home, give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us now!

Have you scheduled a spring gutter cleaning? If not, here are a few reasons that you should make your gutters a top priority right now!

Get a Checkup and Repair Any Damages

If your gutters haven’t been cleaned out since the fall, chances are, you could have some damage from falling limbs, ice damming, rust or general wear and tear. Getting your gutters cleaned now will give the technicians a chance to see whether you need any repairs — if your gutters are leaking or rusted, they won’t be able to perform the way they should, diverting water away from your home.

Clear out the Clogs

Spring brings wind, rain and debris to your home and to your gutter system. There are also seasonal residents that like to set up shop in your gutters. Plenty of animals like to nest in gutters because of the relative altitude and cover that rain gutters offer. If you’ve got abandoned bird or squirrel nests in your gutters, they’ll lead to unwanted clogging. If you have active nests, we’ll advise you to call your local pest control company to safely remove the pests from your gutter system.

Get Ready for Spring Storms

Spring can often bring rain and heavy thunderstorms accompanied by hail and high winds. Being a good homeowner means ensuring that your home is prepared for situations like these. Ensure that your gutters are up to par by having them cleaned and repaired before the summer storm season. When debris and downed limbs end up on your roof, most of it will end up in your gutters. If your gutters are already clogged, you run the risk of putting too much pressure on the gutter system from this added weight. The added weight can damage the fascia boards where your gutters are anchored to the edge of the roof. Also, ensure that your downspouts and underground drains are in working order. Poor drainage can lead to foundation damage and basement flooding.

Spring should be a time of enjoying the outdoors and vacationing, not racking up home repair costs due to improper planning!

Let us take some of that burden away and leave you with healthy gutters and peace of mind!  If you are in Western Kentucky, give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today. Whether you need new gutters, gutter repairs, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is just a phone call away!

As spring is just around the corner, some of you are possibly making plans to build a new home or commercial building. Some of you may be looking for ways to save money. So you may be asking, “Do I really need gutters on my new home?”

Gutters are an interesting topic in roofing and construction, because while it seems everyone understands the general purpose of gutters, there are also several misconceptions out there and even some question as to whether or not gutters are truly necessary, and the extent of what they do.

What Gutters Do

Gutters are designed to redirect water away from your home and foundation. When clean and functioning properly, rainwater and other precipitation flows into the gutters, which then direct the water safely away from your home.

Benefits

By moving water away from your home, you:

• Prevent erosion. Without gutters, the rain would fall directly next to our house, eroding the soil.
• Protect your foundation. Worse than eroding the soil, which is a comparatively less costly fix, too much water seeping into your foundation requires a highly expensive fix, and can be dangerous.
• Protect siding. Rainwater is going to batter your siding regardless, but when additional water slowly drips off the roof, it can stain (and, depending on your type of siding, possibly rot) your siding, decreasing its life span.
• Prevent flooding. Directing water toward a drain or safe area eliminates puddles, which can lead to flooding.

Remember: All those benefits go away, and can even get worse, if you don’t first install gutters and then keep them clean and in working order.

Are Gutters Always Necessary?

There are no laws that require new construction to include gutters. And, although rare, depending on where you live and the type of construction, gutters may be nothing more than an added expense and maintenance project for you.

In most cases, though, adding and maintaining gutters will be one of the wisest, albeit least glamorous, decisions you can make for your home.

Do I Need Gutters on My Home?

If you live in Western Kentucky or anywhere in our region, it’s far more likely that you should have gutters on your home. While cleaning and maintaining gutters can be a dirty, tedious task, it’s well worth the effort to prevent potential costly, dangerous problems.

However, there are a few reasons you might not need the added expense and maintenance.

If you live somewhere with extremely little rainfall (that is, not in Kentucky or anywhere nearby), or if your home is surrounded by concrete that slopes away from your home or building, which protects the foundation, you may be fine without gutters.

In short, you almost definitely should have gutters on your home.

We Can Help

If you are anywhere in the Western Kentucky region and looking for new gutters, gutter cleaning, gutter repairs or gutter guards, give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky. We are your one stop shop for all things gutter related. For more information or a FREE QUOTE, give us a call at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today!

The ice is finally melting in Western Kentucky! One of the most damaging forces in winter is ice. Ice can result from a freeze-thaw cycle after snowfall or from falling temperatures. You may end up with ice-coated trees, icicles hanging from your home or even ice in your pipes. If you’ve looked into the cost of gutter guard systems and thought they were too expensive, the related ice damage can be more expensive than you may think. Here are a few ways that ice can damage your home.

Ways That Ice Can Damage Your Home

1. Falling Tree Branches

If you have tree branches that overhang your home and they become coated in ice, they may fall and cause roof damage, gutter damage, or even break windows or crack siding. If you trim back overhanging branches before an ice storm, you can prevent this sort of damage much of the time.

2 Clogged Downspouts & Gutters

When water is trapped in your gutters and freezes, it expands. Depending on the material your gutter system is made from, it may crack, burst or even pull away from your home due to the extreme weight of the ice. The blocks of ice take a long time to melt, resulting in snow on the roof having nowhere to go – so it either goes over the edge of your gutters, forming icicles, or into your shingles, resulting in a roof leak.

3. Icicles

Icicles may look pretty, but they can do some serious damage to your home. First, no matter what your gutters are made from or who installed them, they weren’t meant to handle the weight of icicles. These can pull the gutters away from your home. If the icicle breaks and falls, it can damage siding or break windows. Even worse, if it happens to fall on a person walking beneath, you have another issue.

4. Water Damage

Eventually, ice will melt. Depending how fast it melts and whether your downspouts are full of ice as well, the water may not have anywhere to go. Water follows the path of least resistance. On some homes, that may mean between the gutters and fascia, resulting in damage. Another common place for water to go is up under your shingles. This results in damaged shingles and, potentially, a roof leak. If you’re lucky and the water runs over the edge of the gutters without forming icicles, you’ll end up with a lot of water in one place – which may lead to water in your crawl space, basement or beneath your foundation.

5. Ice Dams

When your gutters are clogged from leaves and debris, ice dams form. An ice dam may result in icicles or it may just back up onto the roof. This can lead to damaged shingles and too much weight at your roof’s edge. Because the ice dam often damages shingles, your roof is no longer protected and you’ll end up with water in your attic, potentially damaging insulation, wiring and anything else in there.

If you have noticed any of these issues during our recent winter weather, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is here to help. Whether you need new gutters, gutter repair, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is your one-stop shop for all things gutter related. For more information, give us a call today at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today!

Gutter Boyz of Kentucky wants to remind you to always maintain a “safety first,” approach to winter gutter maintenance.

In most cases, you won’t need to get up on the roof to clean or maintain gutters and downspouts, you’ll still be up on a ladder. Plus, disturbing debris and dirt can irritate or injure the eyes, hands, or exposed areas of the body.

Safety is always the first priority when performing roof or gutter maintenance. Make sure you:

• Wear safety goggles
• Don gloves
• Wear non-slip shoes
• Use a mask, especially if you’re sensitive to dust, pollen or allergies
• Observe NSC ladder safety recommendations
• Schedule ahead so you perform gutter cleaning and maintenance on a fair-weather day
• Hire a professional to do the job for gutters above the first story

Clean gutters at least twice per year

Gutters should be cleaned at least twice per year. Typically, we recommend cleaning them before the winter season, and then again in the spring. However, it’s a good idea to take a peek after any major storm. If you hear the clatter and knocks of branches, twigs, and leaves on the roof or walls due to high winds, inspecting and cleaning any obvious debris keeps gutters and downspouts clear.

Clear the roof from existing debris

Gutters primarily fill up with debris from the roof that washes down via rain or makes it was down over time via gravity. If you feel up to it, and understand “Roof Safety 101”, you can clean the roof on your own.

However, if you aren’t quite sure what to do, your roof is slippery, has steep slopes, or you live in a multi-story home, we highly recommend hiring a professional to get the job done.

Inspect gutters for rust, leaks, holes, and corroded joints

Once the gutters are cleaned, and the downspouts are free and clear (evidenced by consistent, full streams of water when you run your hose into the gutter), it’s time to inspect your gutters for any signs of rust, leaks, or holes. You’re most likely to see these at the gutter joints, where metal edges were welded together.

If the gutters look exceptionally dented, rusty, or generally dilapidated, it’s worth replacing them.  Give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky for a FREE ESTIMATE.

Don’t forget the downspouts

Your gutters carry the water and debris that washes off the roof, but your downspouts do the rest of the work. Without them, all that water would drain at the base of your home, which can compromise the foundation.

Inspect the downspouts for rust, leaks, holes or corroded joints the same way you did for the gutters. Repair compromised issues, and replace any downspouts that are beyond repair. Does the runoff pool a little too close to your foundation or walkways for comfort? Take this opportunity to use downspout extenders to provide better drainage.

Let Us Do The Work For You

Many people may choose to do gutter cleaning themselves.  But for times when you need professional gutter cleaning, gutter repairs or new gutter installation, we hope you will contact us at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky.  You can always reach us by phone at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us for a free estimate.

For many people, one of their least favorite chores is cleaning the gutters. It’s scary climbing a ladder and the disgusting things that you find up there can be haunting. That’s why most people put off cleaning their gutters. It’s a hassle and frankly, most of us have the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality. But the truth is your gutters are the life blood of your home.

Gutters are often called the silent killer because by the time a homeowner realizes there is a problem, it’s too late. Let’s look at the four ways clogged gutters can damage your home.

Landscaping –

If you take pride in your house, chances are you care about your lawn and flower beds. The most common enemy of a beautiful landscape is flooding. Gutter cleaning services from Gutter Boys of Kentucky can keep your property safe from standard rain storm flooding by enabling proper drainage. Functioning gutters allow you to direct the drainage stream wherever you need to so that water does not ruin your lawns, drown your flowers, wash away your hedges, or erode an expensive lawn statue.

Critters-

One of the more popular nesting places for animals and bugs is in your gutters. Gutters, of course, catch water and if they clog it will become a trough for animals. Rodents can chew into drywall, gnaw on important wires, and fill your home with droppings. From carpenter ants to termites and potato bugs, there are a wide variety of material-eating insects that you want nowhere near your home. Wasps’ nests, mosquitoes and spiders can threaten your family’s safety and provide a serious scare too. Consistently clean gutters will prevent any unwanted pests from making your life miserable. Unobstructed, free-flowing gutters will wash away any pests that are trying to settle in.

Wood-

A typical problem with gutters is that when they clog the water can run down the sides of your house. The purpose of gutters is to prevent this from happening because the water can seep into wood frames on doors and windows. The other issue is flooding. Flooding will wreak havoc on all of your exposed wood surfaces. Decks are prime selling-points in the realty market, but some people worry about the upkeep that these ultimate recreational spots demand. Wooden decks, doors, and fascia alike add a beautiful aesthetic to the home.

Foundation-

The most important part of your home is the foundation. If you have had the misfortune of living through a cracked foundation, you definitely don’t want to go through that nightmare again. Cracked foundations are most common during the colder months when standing water around your house freezes. Cracked foundations threaten the structural integrity of your entire home. If you noticed clogged gutters freezing up over the winter months, now is the time to handle it. Having clean gutters is an extremely reasonable investment that can save you tens of thousands in repairs.

It’s amazing how something so simple can be so destructive. Our homes are designed to withstand a lot, but there is a balance that needs to be maintained.  Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is here to help.  Whether you need new gutters, gutter repair, gutter guards or gutter cleaning, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is the place to call.  Give us a call today at (270) 906-3055 for a FREE ESTIMATE or CLICK HERE to contact us.

Should you install a seamless or sectional gutter system for your home? Your choice will have a big impact on how much you will need to worry about your gutters. Seamless gutters minimize the risk of roof leaks and they last longer and are easier to clean than sectional gutters. As the top gutter contractor in Western Kentucky, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky recommends seamless gutters for your home or commercial property whenever possible. To help you understand why, we will explain how gutters work, discuss the differences between seamless and sectional gutters and highlight the benefits of seamless gutters for your home.

How Do Gutters Work and Why Are They Important?

Your gutters may not be the most glamorous part of your home, but they are among the most important. Your gutters’ job is to protect the rest of your home from water damage. Your roof sheds a lot of water when it rains. This rainwater flows to the roof edge where the gutters catch it and redirect it into your downspouts. The downspouts deposit the water a safe distance away from your home. This is important because otherwise, the rain could saturate the soil surrounding your foundation and cause problems.

The gutter system can be attached to the fascia using a clip or spike-and-ferrule hanger or it can be hung using hangers along your roof’s eaves. Gutters used to be made from wood and stone in centuries past, but modern manufacturers now make gutters from vinyl and various kinds of metal. Your choice of gutter material will depend on your home’s specific needs and your budget. As the leading expert in gutters and gutter covers in the region, we recommend aluminum gutters because they provide a great balance between durability and affordability.

Sectional Gutters vs. Seamless Gutters

Sectional gutters are the kind of gutters you can get from a store. They come in sections, which makes them cheaper and easier to install. Sectional gutters are made up of different pieces that are joined together by clips, screws sealant or a combination of any of the three. Sectional gutters are designed to work with many different kinds of homes. You figure out the length of your roof edge and you buy a certain amount of sections and downspouts. Sectional gutters used to be common and you can typically find them in older homes.

When buying and installing sectional gutters, remember that you’ll get what you pay for. As the leading expert in gutters and gutter protection in Paducah, KY and the surrounding region, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky does not recommend these for our customers. Sectional gutters are made with multiple pieces, which means they have multiple opportunities to fail. It only takes one section of the gutter system to come loose to leave your home more vulnerable to water damage.

Seamless gutters, one the other hand, are made of one continuous piece of metal. Seamless gutters have no sections and they have no screws, sealants, or clips. The entire stretch of your home will be protected by one solid length of gutter. You won’t have to worry about parts of your gutter system coming loose. Leaks are much less likely because there are no vulnerable seams.

Benefits of Seamless Gutters

Seamless gutters are the better choice for your gutter replacement system because they look better, last longer and require less maintenance than sectional gutters. In addition, they are also much less likely to leak, and they can protect your home from water damage better. You will have fewer things to worry about if you choose seamless gutters for your home.

Custom Designed – Seamless gutters are manufactured according to a property’s specific measurements. You are guaranteed a perfect fit when you choose seamless gutters. When gutters fit well, they are less likely to leak and they perform a better job protecting your home from water damage.

Reduced Maintenance Requirements – Dirt, leaves and other debris can get stuck in the seams of sectional gutters. This isn’t a problem with seamless gutters. You won’t have to clean your seamless gutters as often and they’ll require less professional maintenance.

Longer Lifespan – You won’t need to worry about replacing your gutter system for a long time when you install seamless gutters. Seamless gutters are much less likely to clog than sectional gutters, so they are much less likely to fail. Seamless gutters are also made of much stronger materials like aluminum. The reduced repair and maintenance costs combined with the long lifespan of seamless gutters means that they virtually pay for themselves over time.

More Design Options – Seamless gutters also look better. Gutter Boyz of Kentucky offers a wide range of colors for seamless gutters. Since every seamless gutter is custom-designed, you can easily find a color that perfectly matches your home.

Whether you are looking for gutters for a new home or as replacement gutters, the gutter experts at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is ready to help.  Give us a call today at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to get your FREE ESTIMATE.  Remember, there is a reason that Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is the leading gutter expert in the region.  Give us a call today to find out why!

Frozen gutters are potentially a hazardous condition. Removing the accumulated debris from inside of your gutters before the freezing temperatures is critical. If your gutters are clogged with debris and they become frozen, then it can become very difficult to remove the debris so that the gutters can drain properly.  This is why you must clean your gutters “before” they freeze to prevent damage.

Debris accumulation that becomes frozen can be extremely heavy and will cause the gutters to become loose over time. If the gutters are not secure this can cause the gutters to fall off the house completely. Frozen gutters are also known to pull the wood trim off the house along with them when they fall. This is very problematic for many reasons.

When gutters fall off a house, they expose the wood behind the gutter to the wet weather. Moisture, wind, and temperature changes can all take a toll on the exposed wood. The paint that protects the wood can be diminished and the wood itself will deteriorate if unprotected for any extended periods of time. If the wood is pulled off with the gutter when it falls it can expose your attic to the cold weather and to wild animals who may be looking for a warm shelter.

Why Do My Gutters Freeze During Winter?

Clogged gutters prevent water from flowing down the downspouts and draining properly. Backlogged water stems from poor drainage in the gutter system usually caused by improper pitch or blockage from debris such as leaves, twigs, acorns, bird’s nest, and other foreign objects. This can cause water to fill up the gutter trough and then overflow. If the temperature drops below freezing, then the overflowing gutters will develop into ice sickles. As more water drains from the roof the ice will continue to increase in size and weight.

Snow

Snow that accumulates on top of roofing surfaces can melt during the day run down into the gutters and re-freeze at night when the temperatures drop again. This can also contribute to the increase in size and weight of the ice in the gutters. Poor attic insulation and insufficient ventilation are typically the main causes for ice accumulating on the roof. Having no room to drain, water from melted snow on the roof will run over the gutter lips and may form icicles in subfreezing temperatures. All of this increases the risk of property damage and costly repairs.  Cleaning your gutters before they freeze will help.

Gutter Damage

Ice build-up will add significant weight to the gutters and cause them to loosen, sag, leak, and/or break. Gutter hangers may come loose in one or more areas along the gutter system due to the weight of the ice dams and icicles. Hanging gutters may eventually break, fall off and even damage the fascia board in the process. We have seen cases where falling gutters have damaged windows and cars.

Roof Damage

Frozen gutters can damage roofing surfaces in the winter. This could happen during freezing and thawing cycles where water melts during the day and then refreezes overnight causing ice to remain on the roof for extended periods of time. The weight from accumulated ice and snow may cause shingles to shift and allow water to seep into and underneath the shingles which can often lead to structural damage.

Structural Damage

Water from frozen gutters and downspouts can leak into the home, through the attic, and cause damage to the ceilings, walls, insulation, rugs, carpets, furniture and more. Moisture stains may appear on walls or drywall causing plaster to crack. Water spilling over the gutter lips can flow or seep into the basement causing cracks, creating mold, and even weakening the structure’s foundation over time.

How to Prevent Frozen Gutters?

The best way to prevent frozen gutters is to stop ice dams from forming in the first place.  Cleaning your gutters before they freeze is very important. Routine gutter cleaning and maintenance throughout the year especially before winter helps prevent ice damming. Cleaning could be required several times a year depending on the surrounding tree coverage near your home. Your gutters and downspouts may need cleaning more often depending on the type of trees around your home and if those trees or foliage persistently shed leaves, twigs, and other tree debris.

The gutter professionals at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky are here to help.  Whether you need new gutters, gutter cleaning, gutter guards or gutter repairs, give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky.  Call (270) 906-3055 for a FREE ESTIMATE today or CLICK HERE to contact us!