Benefits of Removing Ice in Gutters

Snow and winter can wreak havoc on a gutter system. If you live in a climate which experiences seasonal changes, it is especially important to have your gutters cleaned in the late fall, before the first freeze.  Any debris left in the gutter can create a blockage which will can lead to an ice dam and costly repairs for the homeowner.

Ice Dams

We are all familiar with houses that look like frozen castles with large icicles hanging from the roofs. They may provide a beautiful picture for a winter photograph, but what they provide for the homeowner is hardly pretty. They are caused from a condition known as an ice dam. These ice dams are walls of frozen water from the house's roof which form in the gutter channels. They create blockages and prevent the gutter system from properly operating.

Ice Damn Damage

Ice dams develop when the snow amount on the roof thaws from the warmth of the attic and the water flows down over the roof to the much colder area of the gutter. It is here the water refreezes. As more water continues to flow toward the gutter, the dam becomes increasingly larger spilling over the sides of the gutters creating the icicles. However, water which doesn't spill over the sides often begins to pool and leak behind the gutter into the house. This can cause major damage to walls, ceilings and insulation.  However, it can also seriously damage the gutter itself by causing cracks and splits in the channels. Furthermore, the additional weight of the ice can cause fascia brackets to weaken and the gutter to sag.

Prevention

Although cleaning your gutter will help alleviate this condition before winter, it probably won't completely remedy it. Once the ice dam has developed it is very dangerous to remove. It is recommended the homeowner call a professional to perform the task because it can be quite difficult to try and walk on a snow covered roof and professionals have the equipment to carry out the job.

One way of lessening the problem is to have proper ventilation and insulation in the attic area. If the roof is kept at a constant temperature, freezing and thawing are curtailed. Reduce the permitted water amounts to escape the freezing and thawing cycle. The water volume at the gutter level will be reduced as will the chance of ice dam development.