Ice buildup in gutters is a source of worry for Calgary residents in winter.
It occurs when snow on your roof melts and refreezes in the gutter. It causes
ice dams, damages the gutters, and roof leaks. However, by following certain
steps, you can avoid it and save your home.
Keep Gutters Clean
The initial step is to ensure that your gutters are clean. Leaves, branches,
and dirt clog water flow, making it linger and freeze. Clean your gutters
before winter sets in and inspect them after heavy snowfall. In case water
runs freely, it’s less probable to freeze and create ice dams.
Inspect Attic Insulation
Inadequate attic insulation lets the heat from your home leak out and melt
roof snow. The melted water refreezes in the gutters. Increasing insulation
retains the heat within, minimizing snow melt and preventing ice accumulation.
Effective insulation also makes your home warmer and lowers energy costs.
Install Gutter Guards
Gutter guards keep debris from accumulating in the gutters. This allows water
to flow freely and minimizes the likelihood of freezing. Mesh, screen, or
foam gutter guards are excellent choices. They also simplify gutter cleaning
in the fall and spring.
Ensure Proper Roof Ventilation
Proper ventilation in the attic keeps your roof cold and prevents uneven
melting. Roof vents allow cold air to enter and warm air to escape. This
prevents snow from melting too quickly and creating ice dams in the
gutters. If your attic is warm during the winter, consider consulting a roofing
contractor about installing extra ventilation.
Use Heat Cables or Heat Tape
Heat cables are an excellent source of preventing ice. They heat the roof and
gutter edges, and they stay free of ice. They are plugged into a power outlet
and along the roof edge and gutter. You can activate them when freezing
weather occurs.
Repair Sloped or Damaged Gutters
Gutters need to be sloped correctly so water runs to the downspouts. If they
sag or are leaning, water will remain and freeze. A professional can rehang or
realign the gutters so drainage is optimal. This simple repair can prevent
larger issues down the road.
Install Larger Downspouts
One reason ice forms is slow water drainage. If your downspouts are too
small, melted snow can’t flow out quickly, and it refreezes. Replacing small
downspouts with wider ones allows water to move faster, reducing freeze risks.
This is especially helpful in Calgary where snow can melt and refreeze
several times in a day.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Before winter, it’s wise to have your gutter system and roof professionally
inspected. A professional can inspect for sagging gutters, loose components,
and cracks that allow water to accumulate and freeze. Experts such as Straight
Path Construction can also install heat cables or suggest insulation
upgrades specific to your house.
Be Proactive After Snowstorms
Don’t wait for trouble to arrive. Following a heavy snowfall, remove excess
snow from your roof safely using a roof rake. This prevents too much melting
at once and prevents the gutter from freezing up. Normal snow removal also
prevents ice dams from occurring in the first place.
Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Branches that overhang your roof shed extra snow and leaves into gutters. This
creates weight and clogs that freeze quickly. Cut back these branches to cut
buildup and maintain open gutters come winter storms.
Final Thought
Ice accumulation in gutters can cause extensive home damage if not controlled
early. Good attic insulation, regular cleaning, gutter guards, and intelligent
tools such as heat cables all collaborate to prevent ice from even forming. You
need not know where to begin; Straight Path Construction can assist
you in winterizing your roof and gutters.
Call to Action
Concerned about ice in your gutters this winter?
Call Straight Path Construction for a free inspection and professional
solutions to shield your home all year round.
