Gutter ice buildup is a typical issue during winter in Calgary. When the
snow melts and freezes in your gutters, it creates ice dams. These may
clog water, ruin your gutters, and even cause roof leaks. Fortunately,
there are many intelligent ways to avoid ice buildup and ensure
your home is secure.
Clean Your Gutters Before Winter
The first thing to help prevent ice is to ensure your gutters are clean.
Leaves, soil, and debris hold water and make it freeze. Clear your
gutters in late autumn, before snowfall. This will enable melted snow
to drain well through the downspouts rather than become ice.
Improve Attic Insulation
Inadequate insulation in your attic causes warm air to flee via your roof.
This causes the snow at the top to melt, and the water refreezes in your
gutters. By installing more insulation, you keep heat within your house
and decrease the unbalanced melting of the snow. This is an easy measure
that can prevent ice accumulation and excessive energy expenditure.
Add Roof Ventilation
Adequate roof ventilation is as crucial as insulation. Vents allow cold
air inside and warm air outside, cooling your attic during winter.
This reduces the melting of snow on your roof and prevents ice buildup
in gutters. If your attic is warm in winter, you may need extra vents
to be installed.
Install Gutter Guards
Gutter guards are an excellent method of excluding leaves and debris
year-round. There are fewer clogs, and water runs more smoothly
through your gutter system. Free-flowing, open gutters will be less
likely to freeze, even in freezing temperatures. Mesh, screen, or foam
guards perform well and also lower the frequency of gutter cleaning.
Apply Heat Cables or Heat Tape
Heat cables are a technological solution to ice issues. They go around
your roof edges and gutters and can melt snow before it freezes. You
can switch them on when winter is approaching. You can hire a
professional to install them safely and teach you how to operate
them in winter.
Ensure Gutters Are Sloped Correctly
If your gutters do not sloped properly, water can remain and freeze.
Gutters need to flow water smoothly into the downspouts. A pro can
inspect your system and repair sagging or poorly installed areas.
Snowmelt drains quickly and doesn’t freeze with proper slope.
Install Larger Downspouts
Small downspouts are more prone to clogging or freezing than large ones.
Bigger downspouts release more water at once, decreasing the likelihood
of freezing. This is particularly useful in Calgary since the snow melts
and refreezes many times throughout the day.
Use a Roof Rake to Remove Snow
A roof rake is an easy-to-use device that allows you to remove snow from
your roof safely from the ground. Removing snow before it melts
minimizes the water that freezes in gutters. Rake after snowfalls,
particularly around the edges of the roof where ice dams are likely
to be most severe.
Inspect for Cracks and Leaks in Gutters
Even tiny holes or cracks in gutters can catch water and become ice
patches. While checking your gutters before winter, check for any signs
of damage and seal them using a gutter sealant. Repairing minor issues
during fall prevents costly repair costs in winter due to expanding ice.
Ensure Proper Downspout Drainage
Your downspouts must direct water at least 4 to 6 feet away from your
home’s foundation. When water accumulates at the base of your home,
it can freeze and do damage. Install downspout extensions or splash
blocks to direct water away safely, lowering the possibility of
freezing alongside the foundation.
Think about Seamless Gutters
If you’re constantly battling ice issues, consider upgrading to seamless
gutters. Seamless gutters don’t have as many joints where water can
accumulate and freeze. They’re also made to measure for your home,
improving the flow of water and reducing clogging ideal for
Calgary’s harsh winters.
Trim Overhanging Trees
Overhanging branches can shed leaves, twigs, and even extra snow
onto your gutters. This fills up gutters with clogs and weight that causes
freezing. Trim overhanging branches back in the fall to cut down on
debris and clean gutters during winter storms.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Before the winter season sets in, it’s wise to have your gutter system
checked by a professional. They can look for clogged debris, leaks,
improper slopes, and damage signs. A company such as Straight Path
Construction can also install gutter protection systems and guide the
most suitable winter-proofing options for your house.
Final Thought
Preventing ice buildup on your gutters requires planning but saves
your roof, walls, and home from extensive damage. Cleaning out
your gutters, installing insulation, and employing intelligent tools such
as gutter guards and heat cables will keep you ahead of winter issues.
Call to Action
Get your home winter-ready?
Call Straight Path Construction for a free gutter inspection and winter-proofing
plan. We keep Calgary homeowners safe all year round.
