Gutter Problems Ice

Gutter leaks usually start at rusty spots or seams that have opened up because of expansion and contraction.

Gutter problems ice. When this process happens repetitively it can damage your roof and gutters. Ice dams occur when melted snow refreezes and it s common during winter. Once the gutter is filled the ice will start to push up and get under the first layer of shingles along the edge of the roof. Leaf guards that sit in the gutter or don t pitch with the roof are more likely to create a shelf for ice buildup to occur.

The ice continues to compile and an ice dam is born. In actuality ice dams will occur even if you do not have a problem with your gutters. Ice dams will continue to form on the cold edge of the roof. There is no way for the homeowner to know if icicles will be small or quite large too many variables are at play every time it snows.

Icicles and ice dams are more a function of roof insulation and ventilation. If your gutter is still basically sound the easiest way to stop the leak is by covering the damaged area with roof and gutter repair tape available at home centers and hardware stores. Ice dams can form in your gutters when rainwater or other precipitation backs up in your gutters and freezes due to cold temperatures in the winter late fall or early spring. Strengthen your home s gutters and prevent not just ice and snow damage but other gutter problems and consider installing a gutter helmet.

This backup is usually caused by clogs in the system that prevent water from flowing into the trough down the spouts and away from your home. For houses located in snow zone areas special precautions should be taken to reduce the possibility of roofing failure and water damage do to ice dams. Rotten soffits and fascia damaged warped gutters and downspouts water stains on your home damaged attics including wet insulation shingle damage as water and ice move underneath the shingles. This is one of the most serious issues with gutters specifically for homeowners in cold climates.

Even gutters that are adequately installed using the proper material and size for your region can succumb to the weight of snow and ice and break away from their hangers and fall to the ground. Adding a heating system in your gutters can help address this issue. When the water hits the gutter it freezes. Ice dams occur when snow located on a roof melts and then turns back to ice as it enters the gutter system.

Ice dams are the result of snow melting off your roof and collecting in the gutter system. If your home is prone to ice dams you will get them regardless of whether or not you even have gutters. If you have gutters they can fill with ice and be the foundation for the ice dam. For quality gutter protection systems turn to gutter helmet of eastern shore.