How To Prevent Your Gutters From Freezing In Winter?

The harsh winter weather can cause serious damage to homes, especially if you live in an area where the climate is especially cold and humid. One of the elements that are most affected by low temperatures is the gutters of the houses, much more if we take into account that they are located outside.

During winter, gutters can experience a freezing process, which, in the most severe cases, leads to a blowout. So that this does not happen to you, it is essential to adopt a series of preventive measures, without forgetting to carry out adequate maintenance. In this article, All About Gutters Inc experts explain how to prevent the gutters in your home from freezing.

Check that the incline is adequate

A correct installation of gutters carried out by professionals makes them slightly inclined to guide the water towards the downspouts. If it is too straight, the water can accumulate and it will freeze easily during the winter, with the problems that this entails. If this is your case, we recommend you go to professionals who review the gutter system and reform it to give it the appropriate slopes.

Clean gutters frequently

To prevent the installation of rainwater from freezing in the winter, it is essential to carry out a good gutter cleaning before the cold season, as well as to keep its maintenance up to date.

Make sure that they have been completely free of leaves and dirt so that the water can flow freely, without accumulating. This will prevent them from freezing even if there is heavy snowfall, as when the snow melts it will be quickly evacuated.

Prevent ice from forming by adding salt

Several handfuls of salt inside your gutters will prevent ice from forming, preventing freezing. This measure is only necessary if you live in an area where heavy snowstorms occur throughout the winter.

Before taking this measurement, check the material your gutters are made of. Water with high concentrations of salt can be corrosive to some materials, such as PVC.

Don't let snow accumulate on the roof

In case the gutters are completely saturated with snow, use a pole to remove as much snow as possible.

This will allow the snow to melt little by little and be evacuated through the gutters. Do it with great caution and avoiding accidents such as slipping from climbing on the roof.

Do you know the heating cables?

This system is ideal for areas where the cold is extreme and, once installed, heats the gutters using a cable that runs through the entire installation, especially in the case of metal gutters.

The cable can be connected to the electrical current and acts as a resistance, causing the snow to melt immediately when it comes into contact with the gutters.

If you want to opt for this system, don't leave it in the hands of just anyone: contact a trusted installation company, such as All About Gutters Inc, to make sure that the installation is done correctly.

Why is ice forming in drain lines dangerous?

Water expands when it freezes; causing extensive gutter damage as it forces the material and can eventually cause cracks. Gutter joints and seams, as well as elbows or corners, are especially sensitive. These elements suffer especially when ice forms, breaking with relative ease.

Although current gutter systems have fasteners capable of supporting a lot of weight and being resistant to high winds, the continuous load of weight on them is not recommended, as the fasteners can deteriorate and this can cause the gutter to detach.