Gutters are one of the most overlooked aspects of the home. Homeowners disregard their presence, perhaps only cleaning them once in the fall and spring, or repairing them when they are damaged.
In areas susceptible to heavy snow and harsh winters, gutters face significant challenges that need to be addressed proactively. Colorado regularly experiences harsh winter weather that can wreak havoc on gutters. Ice dams easily build in gutters as layers of precipitation freeze on top of one another, blocking water drainage until it melts. Icicles often form underneath gutters, posing a danger for those walking underneath. When spring arrives, the melting slush on the roof can cause water damage in the upstairs of your house and the gutters themselves may collapse under the ice’s heavy weight. Those living in colder climates can attest to the incredible snow and ice buildup that occurs every year. Winter can be an uphill struggle fighting ice dams and icicle formation. If you have found yourself with a miniature iceberg capping your home, it is time to remove the ice.
Gutters are susceptible to ice damage during the Denver winter as the snow melts and refreezes. Water clogging and buildup can create dangerous conditions of falling ice projectiles. Beneath the build up and slush is a problem: structural damage.
Gutters are ambiguous until they're no longer doing their job. The cold winter locks you inside and you can only look onward as slush runs over the gutter edges. You curse yourself for not having done the yearly maintenance before the storms hit. Got time? Here's what you'll do to avoid icy gutters before they're a problem. Maintaining clean and functional gutters is important any time of year, but becomes particularly crucial as the weather grows colder. Blocked or damaged gutters can cause considerable damage over the winter, representing hundreds or thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Fortunately, with a few simple steps and little to no money, homeowners can take a few simple steps during the fall months to ensure they enjoy the benefits of their gutters all winter long. |