You may only think about your gutters when the leaves begin to fall, but have you given any thought to their importance during the winter months?
Often overlooked, your gutter system is important to the health of your home. Gutters are attached to the exterior of your home and act as a trough, carrying water safely away from your home. When neglected, gutters will become clogged and can lead to a variety of different issues.
Keeping your gutters in good working condition can prevent costly repairs. While important year-round, a functioning gutter system is even more important during the winter months. It’s no surprise that the winter weather can wreak havoc on your home—including your gutters.
Winter home damage
As ice expands, your fascia and soffit, which are both close to your gutters, can crack and cause thousands of dollars of damage. This happens because the expanding ice puts immense pressure on these components, leading to fractures and splits. Ice damming is a serious issue that should not be neglected. When icicles form, the water may back up through your roof, damaging your shingles and causing leaks. These leaks can then seep into the interior of your home, leading to potential structural issues and mold growth, which can be both costly and hazardous to your health.
The excess moisture that is produced during the winter months can cause water damage inside and outside of your home. Inside, this moisture can lead to peeling paint, warped floors, and stained ceilings, creating unsightly and potentially unsafe living conditions. Outside, the constant freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on your home’s exterior, affecting the siding, windows, and doors. The persistent presence of moisture can also compromise the insulation and energy efficiency of your home, leading to higher heating bills and a less comfortable living environment.
Additionally, if your gutters are clogged, water can spill over the sides of your home, pooling onto the base of your home and damaging your foundation and the structure. This pooling water can erode the soil around your foundation, leading to cracks and potential settling issues. Over time, this can result in significant structural damage, requiring extensive and expensive repairs. Proper maintenance of your gutters and ensuring they remain free of debris is essential to preventing these problems and protecting the integrity of your home. Taking on the project of regularly cleaning and inspecting your gutters can save you from much larger and costlier projects in the future.
Protecting your home with gutter guards
Although regular cleanings will help maintain your gutter system, gutter protection systems are your best bet at preventing any unexpected problems. Paying to have your gutters cleaned over the course of the lifetime of your home can be expensive. Hiring a professional gutter cleaner can be as much as nearly $300 per cleaning.
Tending to your gutter system during the cold, bitter months can be a nuisance. And, cleaning your gutters at any point in the year can be a dangerous and tedious task. Installing gutter guards will protect your home year-round and eliminates any potential damage, no matter what season it is.
When looking for a professional gutter guard system, it is important to look for a system that features no holes, gaps, or openings. You should also look for a company that is fully licensed and insured and has a lifetime warranty. The good thing about having a gutter guard system installed is that it ensures you won’t have to make any more dangerous trips up the ladder.
Protect your largest investment, your home, this winter by keeping your gutters clear and debris-free.
