Gutters are so often tended to in the spring and fall, when outdoor debris is typically at an all-time high. Regular cleaning and maintenance during these seasons are definitely a must, but that doesn’t mean you get to completely check out come winter.
Living in the Chicago area where snow and ice are synonymous with winter, you know the home damage that can become coupled with the elements. Gutters are certainly vulnerable in harsh winter weather, where the weight of wet snow can tear gutters from your home and ice can lead to improper drainage, ice dams, and interior water damage.
Winter Gutter Damage Prevention
There’s no way to stop Mother Nature from the winter weather she blows your way, so your best offense is a good defense.
- Clean your gutters: It should go without saying, but any debris remaining in your gutters come wintertime is another obstacle standing in the way of proper drainage. Clear gutters and downspouts as late in the fall season as possible to keep water moving.
- Consider gutter guards: If gutter cleaning is a hated chore or if you live in heavily wooded area with lots of leaves, sticks, and other bits of nature floating around, consider installing gutter guards to keep debris out but allow water to pass on by.
- Insulate your roof: The snow on top of your house melts more
easily if heat escapes through the roof. Not only are you spending money on wasted energy but also increasing your chances of forming ice dams from excessive moisture dripping down and freezing in and around your gutter. - Reinforce your gutters: The weight of large volumes of snow can cause gutters to buckle, bend, or pull away from your home. Hire a professional to inspect that the gutters, their mounts, and their installed placement are appropriate for your type of home. Replace any that are inadequate, and consider installing protective gutter systems if you live in an area with higher-than-normal snowfall.
- Turn on the heat: If parts of your gutters, such as those with southern exposure, are exposed to the sun, you may find that melting snow and ice during the day turns into spillover and icy walkways at night. While better roof insulation should be your first step, installing electric heating cables within your gutters and downspouts can help as well. Look to install products with adjustable thermostats so that you can keep your energy bill from skyrocketing.
Need help getting your home in winter shape? Our skilled professionals at North Shore Home Works are available to help you safely enjoy winter from the comfort of your cozy home.
Gutter and Downspout Services
Not exactly the most fun part of your home or building, but gutters and downspouts are among one of the most important features to preventing damages to your roof, landscaping, or flooding your basement. If your home lacks a functioning gutter system, rainwater and melting snow will take years off of your roof and can erode your foundation. Talk about top to bottom costly home damages for such a small part of your home or building.
Contact North Shore Home Works today for a FREE CONSULTATION and FREE ESTIMATE of your gutters and roof if you suspect damage or problems.We proudly provide services in Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Glenview, Kenilworth, Wilmette, Winnetka and surrounding IL areas.