Gutters in the Winter – Protection from the Elements

Having a gutter collapse outside your home may not ruin your holiday festivities, but it may very well be an inconvenience. Having your gutters prepped for winter can avoid some of the common problems homes with gutters face. Before the first snow hits, take these steps to protect your gutters from the elements and save yourself money.

• Older homes may have gutters that are nailed in with spikes. Snow can loosen these spikes and cause separation of the gutter from the house. This can speed of up the rate of deterioration and lead to long-term damage.
• Make sure your gutters are clean at the end of fall. Ice and snow on top of leaves will lead to gutter damage. Call Colorado Seamless Gutters for a free estimate or for your fall maintenance before the winter snows set it.
• Install seamless gutters. Aluminum, steel, or copper seamless gutters will handle heavy winter weather conditions better than traditional gutter systems. Traditional gutters are also more susceptible to breaking at the seams or being leaky.
• Consider installing drip flashing or edge metal to protect the fascia board during winter. It is a separate metal piece extending behind the gutter and up under the shingles.
• Gutter screens can help with small debris that add up and create bigger problems in winter. Find a gutter cover for large debris, which are economical and keep out a variety of materials.
• Consider installing wider gutters and downspouts for your Colorado home and adding vents at strategic points under the roof overhangs. Having other vents exiting the home from bathrooms and dryers can also help prevent ice buildup or damming.
• Trim branches hanging over your gutters and roof. Not only could this prevent damage to your gutters in winter; it could save your roof.

Keep in mind that protecting your gutters yourself may be a time-consuming task. If you are preparing to do maintenance on gutters, invest in a sturdy ladder. Colorado Seamless Gutters specializes in preparing your gutters for the winter season. We always offer a free estimate made by an experienced estimator at your home. Our detailed reports will give you the full picture of your gutter damage and needs.

When we clean gutters to prepare for winter, we hand remove large debris and use water instead of a leaf blower to remove the rest. For anything too clogged to flush, we’ll remove, clean, and reattach the downspout. The best way to avoid ice damming issues is to clean your gutters after the final leaves have fallen and before the first snow. We may recommend a de-icing system that will last up to 10 or 15 years and prevent the issues caused by ice damming. In the event that an ice dam in your gutter does occur, we have the equipment and experience to remove the ice and provide you with the confidence to enjoy the rest of the season.

For more information about our specialized solutions for your Colorado home in winter, contact us today online or at 303-447-1555.