As we reach this time of year, we begin to wonder if the big snow / ice storm is going to hit this year. Are your gutters prepared for the winter weather? You may be surprised by how much damage a little ice, snow, and wind can do. Without proper winter maintenance, your gutters can clog, crack, and even sag from their hinges. Use the following tips to protect your gutters from ice damage.
Her are four tips for winterizing your gutters.
Clean your gutters. When leaves, twigs, or other debris clog gutters during winter, rainwater and melting snow can overflow and freeze on the ground. This ice around the home and on pathways can create a slipping hazard. Before the winter season begins, use three easy steps to clean and inspect your gutter system—even if you have gutter screens.
Trim your trees. Leaves may continue to fall into your gutters after winter begins. You can reduce this debris by trimming back the tree branches near your roof. Also, if ice and snow weigh down the branches, the limbs can snap and damage your roof and gutters. Before you get started, talk to a tree service professional to ensure that a late fall or early winter trim will not harm your trees.
Try a test run. To make sure that your gutters are functioning properly, run water through them with a garden hose and check for any leaks or clogs. If you find any problems, give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky for help.
Use de-icing compounds. If your home has a problem area where more ice and snow accumulates on the roof, use a de-icing barrier. It will melt ice and snow before it slides off the roof, which helps prevent ice dams in gutters. Fill an old pair of pantyhose with de-icing compounds, such as calcium chloride, and lay the hose across the roof. The chemicals will melt the snow and ice, and water will flow, preventing sagging gutters or broken hinges.
With these four tips, you can easily prep your gutters for winter, but the process will run more smoothly if the gutters are properly maintained year-round. Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is ready to help you with your gutters. Whether you need new gutters, gutter repair, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is just a phone call away. Give us a call today at (270) 906-3055, email us at Sales@Gutterboyzky.com or CLICK HERE to contact us.