How Winter Storms Will Affect Your Gutters

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.  

Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning your gutters is a common household task that often gets overlooked, especially before the cold weather of winter appears.  Snowstorms can damage your gutters in several different ways, so you will need to clean your gutters before the snow and ice arrive. 

It is extremely important to get rid of all leaves and debris in the gutter before the snow starts to fall because if they are not cleaned, they can get clogged.  And, clogged gutters can lead to an ice dam forming, which can prevent your gutters from draining melted snow and redirecting it away from the foundation of the home. 

​In that case, the melted snow can start to seep into the windows or roof, which can damage the interior of your house and cause mold to form.  

Be Aware of Insignificant Drainage

​If you have noticed water has started to drip inside your house, or see water spots inside, that is a sign that your gutters are not draining properly.  If your gutters get filled with ice, they cannot drain, and the only place for melted snow to go if the gutters do not drain right, are to the inside of your house.  And, a clogged drain makes it harder for the snow to melt anyways, and this can lead to the formation of an ice dam.

Ice Dams

One of the ways that winter can affect your gutters is the formation of ice dams.  An ice dam is a large threat to your gutters after a snow storm. 

The snow forms into a thick blanket, and when combined with any heat that spills out from your house, the snow will then melt. 

The water then seeps under the rest of the snow, at freezing temperatures until it reaches open air when it meets your gutters. The water freezes then to create an ice dam. 

From here, this process will repeat until the snowmelt enters the interior of your home.  This can cause serious damage to your roof. Ice dams can damage your roof shingles. It can also create water damage inside the house as well. 

If ice dams stay attached to your home for too long, the ice will get into the roof shingles and melt into the attic or to the exterior walls.  If this happens, your insulation can get wet and stop retaining heat. 

​And, if the humidity levels reach the right temperature, mold can begin to form in the attic, which creates unsafe living conditions.  Please have your gutter cleaned and ready for winter to avoid this from happening to your house.