How Snowstorms Can Wreak Havoc On Your Gutters

​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.  

Clogged Gutters Can Impact Your Roof

​As we mentioned above, snow and ice can damage your gutter system and your roof.  So, if your gutters are clogged from debris before winter and snowstorms hit, the water that melts from the snowfall can refreeze and fill your gutters with ice.  
 
This heavy ice can cause serious damage to your gutters and roof.  Further, heavy ice can detach your gutters from the roof, which will destroy them beyond repair.  So, if you do not want to replace your gutter system, which is pricey and avoidable, please maintain your gutters and clean them before the snow starts.  
 
If you find that ice has already formed within the gutters, do not try to remove it by yourself.  If you do not know what you are doing, you could cause more damage than not.  To avoid having to spend more money than necessary, hire a professional to remove snow and ice from your gutters.

Ice Dams Cause Major Damage to Your Gutters

​Ice dams are the most common way that inclement weather can affect your gutters.  After a big snowfall or ice storm, the snow and ice begin to melt on your roof.  When this happens, you can expect ice dams to form.  The ice will thaw just enough to make melting snow water, and when it refreezes, it starts to form an ice dam. To protect your gutters from ice dams the first step is to keep your gutters clean.  

Remove Snow and Ice With Professional Help

As mentioned above, you do not want to try to remove snow and ice on your own.  Many people have tried before to clean the snow and ice with no professional help.  What usually happens is that they can end up puncturing a gutter or they scrape the ice too hard, which damages the gutter. 
 
People who have experience with the removal of snow and ice have the right knowledge and can minimize the damage to your gutters.  It is always preferable to pay a professional a one-time fee, versus a huge costly repair if you try to do it yourself.  
 
So, to recap, please maintain your gutters regularly.  It is the best way to avoid expensive repairs down the road.  Do not hesitate to hire a professional to help you with all your gutter needs, as this will prevent damage in the long run.  And as a final note, replace any gutters that are damaged before winter arrives.  Replacing damaged gutters is not as hard as it seems, and it will save you money and time.