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How to Keep Your Gutters from Freezing in Winter

Categories: Gutter Repairs
Preventing Frozen Gutters

As fall starts to transition to winter, your gutter systems will be exposed to several hazards that are not present throughout the rest of the year. While clogging from excess leaves and additional rainfall can pose a significant threat, freezing can cause the most damage to gutter systems. As leading providers of high-quality gutter systems and installation services, the team at Tristar Gutters knows how important it is to ensure that your gutters are ready for winter. That is why we have compiled some information outlining how to keep your gutters from freezing in winter.

Learn about the benefits of clog-free gutters for winter.

4 Ways to Protect Your Gutters from Freezing

To prevent your gutters from freezing, be sure to perform the following actions:

1. Clean Your Gutters Before Temperatures Drop

Thorough fall gutter cleaning is essential for preventing them from clogging once snow begins to fall. Snow will often compress and melt to exit gutters through downspouts. If leaves, sticks, pine needles, or other debris are blocking your gutters, this melted snow may re-freeze into solid ice and cause your gutters to become frozen.

2. Remove Snow from Your Roof

Snow that is left on your roof will eventually compress into an ice-like state that can block and freeze gutters. To prevent snow from compressing, use a long-handled snow rake to pull snow off your roof while it is still light and fluffy. This will prevent snow and ice buildup in your gutters.

3. Install a Heated Gutter Cable

One of the most effective methods for preventing freezing and ice formations is to install a heating cable in your gutter. These cables line your gutters and downspouts, providing full coverage for every element of your system. Once these cables are powered on, they radiate heat that melts ice and prevents gutters from freezing, making them a popular choice for exceptionally cold environments. To ensure optimal results, it is best to have a professional install these cables.

4. Check the Slope of Your Gutters

Gutter systems should have a slight slope that leads to the downspout to ensure that water quickly moves out of the system. Even if your gutter system had a slope when it was first installed, this can settle with age or be knocked to the wrong angle by storms over time. If this slope has flattened over time, water can pool in your gutters and freeze. To accurately determine the slope of your gutter system, contact a professional.

To learn more about winter preparation for your gutter system, get in touch with the experts at Tristar Gutters. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have about our installation services.