​If you happen to live in a cold-weather state, you know the importance of a well-functioning gutter system.  And, if your gutter system is not performing as it should then you may see snow and ice start to damage your home. The problem is that gutters and roofs can be severely damaged by winter snowstorms.  
 
The only way to protect your gutters from damage is to have a basic understanding of how snow and ice can damage them.  In this article, we will discuss how snowstorms can wreak havoc on your gutters.  

​Ice dams are an unfortunate reality of living in a cold-weather state.  Ice dams can cause a lot of damage because they are blocks of ice that have formed in your gutters after a snowfall.  Actually, during and after a snowfall the accumulation on your roof can be warmed two separate ways and can lead to snowmelt.  

A standard size gutter for a smaller commercial building or a residential home is usually the five-inch gutter.  But modern homes have bigger roofs, and commercial buildings tend to have water buildup more than residential properties, so it stands to reason that a six-inch box gutter may be the right option to go with. 

By definition, a box gutter is usually rectangular in shape, and lined with rubber, metal, asphalt, or roofing felt.  It is designed to have a professional appearance, but it can also be concealed behind a parapet in a roof valley. 

​Six-inch box gutters can hold up to forty percent more water than five-inch gutters. This is perfect for larger commercial buildings and modern homes with bigger and steeper roofs.  Read below as we discuss what six-inch gutters are and why they are perfect for steep roofs.  

The gutters of your house need to function properly throughout the year to help protect your home from snow and water damage.  As the season changes, your gutter system needs to keep water away from the foundation of the house. 

This is true for summer rainstorms and winter snowstorms.  And, if the gutters are not working optimally, as they can get clogged or damaged due to extreme weather, this can go on to have a negative effect on the roof of your home as well. 

​As winter approaches, now is the time to have your gutters checked and cleaned so that they are ready for snowstorms.  Read further as we discuss how winter can affect your gutters and tips on how to keep your gutters working.  

Living in Colorado means dealing with crazy, unpredictable weather.  We have wind, snow, and ice to contend with during the winter months. ​This means that ice dams are a real possibility to look out for during winter.