How To Make Your Gutters More Effective During The Winter
During winter, gutters develop a lot of functionality issues ranging from clogs to ice dams. Such issues prevent free flow of water from the gutters eventually pulling gutters downwards. The good news is that there are steps you can take to make your gutters more effective in the winter months. The following are tips you should follow to ensure your gutters work better during the winter season.
Install gutter guards
The best way to ensure that your gutters remain functional during the winter season is to install gutter guards. Have them installed by a company that specializes in eavestrough in Oakville. Gutter guards are designed to go over the top of gutters to keep debris such as sticks and leaves out while allowing water to flow through the top. They prevent gutters from clogging which can lead to other serious problems later on. It is unfortunate that many homeowners take it upon themselves to install guards without professional help. They end up installing guards that are either too small or too large for their gutters which make them ineffective. To get the best results, always hire a professional to install your guards.
Keep your gutters clean
Even with gutters guards on, you still need to clean your gutters every now and then. Dirt, mud and other debris end up making their way inside guards and if not cleaned out, they can cause clogs. The best time to clean your gutters is during the spring season or right before winter. This way, you get rid of any debris that has accumulated in the system to allow free flow of water. Take time during the rainy season to check how water is flowing through the gutters. If you find that the water is not flowing as it should, that should be a sign that there is a blockage in the system.
Improve your attic insulation
Most people don’t think about insulating their attics. However, insulated attics help to keep the roof warm during winter. A warm roof will help ice and snow to melt faster which then allows the run-off to flow into the gutter. Snow or ice will not slide into the gutters which then avoids the formation of ice dams.
Reinforce your gutters
Just before the winter months, you can have a professional reinforce your gutters to help them hold up better. Using gutter brackets or bracing hardware, your gutters can be reinforced to help them support and hold more weight. This prevents your gutters from pulling away from your roof or home. When gutters pull away from the roof, they can damage the siding of your home.
Add heating elements to your gutters
Another way to keep your gutters more effective during the winter months is by adding heating elements to the system. Heating elements and cables help to melt snow and ice that form within your gutters. Heating elements will prevent the formation of ice dams within the trough hence, protecting your gutters and roof. If you live in areas that get extremely cold during winter or experience heavy snow falls, investing in heating elements is a priority if you want to avoid spending much in gutter repairs.
Apart from playing the important role of carrying water off the roof of a home and discarding it away, gutters also help to protect your sidings and the integrity of your home’s foundation. Whether you need gutter repair and maintenance or you are in the market for new gutters in Oakville, always look for a reputable company that specializes in eavestroughs. Make sure that you rely on a professional to take care of your gutter needs for durable solutions.