The importance of cleaning your eavestroughs before winter to prevent ice damming

The importance of cleaning your eavestroughs before winter to prevent ice damming

Winter is a beautiful season, with snow-covered landscapes and cozy nights by the fire. However, it can also bring its fair share of headaches, especially when it comes to your home. One potential problem that homeowners should be aware of is ice damming, which can cause serious damage to your roof and home. One way to prevent ice damming is by cleaning eavestroughs in Toronto before winter sets in.

Eavestroughs, also known as gutters, are the channels that run along the edges of your roof and collect water from rain and melting snow. This water is then directed away from your home to prevent water damage and pooling. However, when eavestroughs become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, they can no longer effectively collect and redirect water. This can lead to water pooling on your roof and eventually seeping into your home, causing damage to your ceiling, walls, and foundation.

Another problem that clogged eavestroughs can cause is ice damming. As snow melts on your roof, the water flows into your eavestroughs and is directed away from your home. However, if the eavestroughs are clogged, the water has nowhere to go and can freeze at the edge of your roof. This forms an ice dam, which can trap additional snowmelt and cause it to back up onto your roof. This can result in damage to your shingles and roofing materials, as well as leaks and water damage inside your home.

To prevent these problems, it’s important to clean your eavestroughs before winter sets in. This will ensure that they are free of debris and can effectively collect and redirect water away from your home. You can clean your eavestroughs yourself, or hire a professional to do it for you.

If you decide to clean your eavestroughs yourself, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Make sure to use a sturdy ladder that is properly positioned and secured.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp debris.
• Use a small shovel or trowel to scoop out leaves and other debris.
• Use a hose to flush out the eavestroughs and check for any remaining debris.
• If you have a lot of debris in your eavestroughs, you may want to use a tool specifically designed for cleaning gutters, such as a gutter scoop or gutter brush.

Once your eavestroughs are clean, you can take additional steps to prevent ice damming. For example, you can insulate your attic to keep it warm, which will prevent snow from melting on your roof in the first place. You can also install heat tape or heated cables along the edges of your roof to melt any snow and ice that does form.

In conclusion, cleaning your eavestroughs before winter is important to prevent water damage and ice damming. This simple task can save you a lot of headaches and potential costly repairs in the long run. Make sure to clean your eavestroughs regularly and take additional steps to prevent ice damming, such as insulating your attic and using heat tape on your roof. By taking these precautions, you can protect your home and enjoy a worry-free winter season.