In the winter, your gutter system can take a beating. From leaking joints to trouble with pooling, such issues can cause ice dams, indoor leaks, and roof damage. Here are a few steps you can take to protect your system this winter.

3 Gutter Tips for Winter

1. Check for Damage

When water runs into the channels on the roof, check the area for water dripping from seams and edges. Pay attention to any spots where water seems to be pooling, as well. If you spot an area that doesn’t seem to be functioning properly, use a piece of blue painter’s tape to mark the spot, and then work with professionals to fix the issue.

2. Clean Them Out

Your gutters can’t function correctly if they are filled with dead leaves and other debris, so clean them out before the first winter storm of the year. Working with a pair of gloves, a bucket, and a small hand shovel, remove any debris that is sitting in the channels. You can also use a shop vacuum with a hose attachment to remove debris from the troughs. When you are finished, rinse the area with a garden hose to see if water runs into the downspouts properly.

3. Consider Heat Cables

To prevent ice and snow from building up and blocking the troughs, consider having heat cables installed along your roofline. They provide a light, heat-generating current to melt away snow and ice, preventing gutter damage all winter long.

If you need help with your gutters this winter, contact Bel-­Aire Home Improvement in Platteville, WI. Since its inception, this trusted business has been helping clients with everything from hail damage and siding replacement to gutter repair and general home improvements. Visit their website or give their office a call at (608) 348-­2381.