A Full Guide to Winter Gutter Maintenance and How to Stop Ice Dams.
Table of Contents
When it comes to the fasteners for my gutters, should I use nails or screws?
When should you clean the gutters, and how often should you do it?
Why is it Important to Clean Gutters Prior to Winter and Prior to Spring?
How to Check Gutters to See If There Is Any Damage to the Structure
A Guide to the Installation of Roof and Gutter Heating Cables
The Importance of Performing Gutter Maintenance in the Winter for Your Home
Heads up: If you have any concerns regarding your gutters, you should always see a professional. When working on your gutters, make sure you are aware of and follow all applicable ladder safety procedures. If your gutters are too high for a 10-foot ladder, don't bother fixing them. Using an extension ladder is not allowed. Never stand on a ladder without having someone else there to notice you. Keep off the roof at all costs. Do not attempt to clean your gutters if the weather is too wet, windy, or cold. If you live somewhere cold, the chances are good that you've come across the phenomenon of an ice dam in your gutter. These ice chunks could form in your gutter at first, and then slowly make their way up onto your roof. There are gutter solutions that may prevent ice dams from forming, in addition to ice and water protector, which can protect your roof from the effects of ice dams.
In this post, we will explore which kinds of gutters are most suited for use on roofs in areas that see a lot of cold weather, as well as how you should clean your gutters so as to avoid ice jams from developing before winter arrives. We will also go over how to mend gutters that are drooping and how to address leaks in gutters. In the event that your preventive measures are ineffective, and an ice dam forms on your roof nevertheless, we will also demonstrate how to remove the ice dam without causing any damage to your gutters or roof.
An Overview of the Various Gutters
Guttering is a crucial part of every roof. You should know whether or not they are seamless, as well as the material they are made of, the dimensions of their form, and the shape of their size. In this section, we'll discuss the many gutter choices available to you.
There are three main gutter types or shapes:
Half-round gutters
Resemble circular tubes that have been chopped in half. They used to be a common gutter form, but they've gone out of favor. Half-round gutters are less expensive than other forms, however, they are ineffective. In reality, they barely store half the amount of water that a K-style gutter can. However, half-round gutters may still be seen on older houses.
K-style gutters:
K-style gutters feature square bottoms and a flared side. From the exterior, they resemble crown molding. K-style gutters contain more water than half-round gutters and are hence a superior option for cold-weather residences. They may range in width from 5 to 8 inches.
Fascia-style gutters with broad bottoms:
Some house types are incompatible with K-style gutters. Fascia gutters have a flat bottom like the fascia, but their outer edge is straight, replicating the appearance of the flat fascia behind them. Furthermore, by having a flat outer edge, these gutters may be made thinner, making them stand out less. In colder climates, fascia-style gutters are more popular. However, they may not always outperform K-style gutters in cold weather. Wide bottom gutters are unnecessary unless you experience severe storms or have an extremely big roof.
Gutters are also constructed differently:
Sectional gutters:
Sectional gutters are common in homes. They come in short lengths that click together during installation. Each seam where two gutter lengths meet is a weak area that may eventually leak or sag. Sectional gutters, on the other hand, are quicker and easier to install.
Seamless gutters:
These gutters have no seams and are continuous. Instead, they are custom-cut to the precise size required for the residence. Corner pieces may be joined by soldering or screwing. As a consequence, there are no weak points where a leak will certainly form. In colder climates, seamless gutters are preferable because leaky seams might freeze and drive the whole gutter apart. These gutters, however, are more costly and complex to install.
Gutter manufacturers employ a variety of materials to make their products, including:
Plastic/vinyl: Vinyl gutters are popular because they are the least priced and simplest to install. However, vinyl has a number of disadvantages. It's a flimsier material that can't withstand much stress. You can't put your ladder up against vinyl, which might be an issue while cleaning your gutters. Vinyl is temperature sensitive. In cold temperatures, it compresses, making it weaker and more prone to cracking than other materials. Vinyl gutters are usually sectional, with especially weak joints. They are also only available in a few colors, albeit those hues may complement your vinyl siding perfectly. If you live in a cold environment, you should replace your vinyl gutters every 10 years. You may need to replace your gutters more often or less frequently depending on how effectively they perform on your unique property in your specific environment. Nonetheless, their modest cost may make the replacement worthwhile.
Aluminum gutters: an upgrade from vinyl gutters.
They are stronger and do not rust, although they may corrode if not treated to prevent corrosion. In colder areas, heavier gauge aluminum gutters, 0.32 inches or 0.27 inches, are required to withstand the weight of snow. Furthermore, unlike vinyl, metal gutters may be seamless and painted. Aluminum gutters are adaptable and may be used with any kind of house exterior. Aluminum gutters are more durable than vinyl gutters. Nonetheless, they may be dented by ladders or other events, such as falling branches. They are also somewhat pricier.
Steel: a fantastic alternative if you require a stronger gutter. If you reside in a location where hurricanes may blow various types of debris against your property, steel gutters may be preferable. To withstand corrosion in moist environments, steel gutters must be galvanized. If you live in an extremely humid or salty environment, you may need to reapply a protective coating every five years. Steel gutters are also more costly than aluminum gutters. They may be seamless. Corners are frequently screwed together rather than soldered.
Copper gutters: the strongest and most secure option, but they are also the costliest. They are always seamless, with soldered corners. They will not corrode, droop, or bend under the weight of your ladder. They may, however, corrode. Copper gutters are popular among homeowners, although they may not suit all house layouts. Furthermore, they are costly, and their weight makes installation problematic.
Wood: Wood is an old-fashioned gutter material that few contemporary dwellings can use. Wood gutters are not only pricey, but they also leak and deteriorate quickly. Historic homes may have wood gutters.
The Individual Parts of a Gutters System
Gutters alone will not keep water away from your property. Instead, they are a component of a system.
This system's components are as follows:
End caps -These flat caps prevent water from draining from the gutters.
Gutter hangers - also known as fascia brackets, are used to secure the gutter to the wall. There are several styles that work for various types of fascia or gutters. Some are fastened onto the fascia or side of the house and serve as a platform for the gutter. Others grip the top edge of K-style gutters rather than looping around them. More information on gutter hangers may be found later on this page.
Downspout - A downspout, also known as a leader, is a conduit that permits water to flow from the gutter and onto the ground. Half-round gutters need circular downspouts, whereas K-style gutters require square downspouts.
Downspout brackets - are basic aluminum or metal brackets that wrap around a downspout and fasten it to the side of a house. They might be just cosmetic.
Elbow/Boot - A little length of pipe at the end of the downspout bends like an elbow (or that looks like a boot). This segment of pipe is intended to divert water away from the home's foundation. Gutter boots may be attractive as well.
Downspout extension - A home's slope or the landscaping around it may divert water back to the foundation. To prevent this issue, install a downspout extension to move water farther away from the house and past problematic slopes.