Gutters play an integral role in your roofing system by directing rainwater and melting snow away from your home. This prevents water from backing up under shingles and causing leaks, rot, mold, and mildew. However, winter issues such as ice dams, rust, and heavy snow can keep the channels from performing adequately. Ensure yours do their job all season long with this advice.

Tips for Protecting Gutters Throughout Winter

1. Use Protective Accessories

Install accessories that keep your roof troughs clean and operational this winter. For example, gutter guards prevent excessive debris buildup, and heat tape encourages ice and snow to melt. You can also get ice and water barriers installed to prevent moisture-related damage.

2. Check Attic Insulation & Ventilation

Inspect the condition of your attic or crawlspace insulation and ensure ventilation features are working efficiently. If you don’t have insulation or need replacement, schedule services immediately. An insulated, well-ventilated attic prevents ice dams, which occur when warm attic air melts snow that refreezes along roof edges. Ice dams stress the roof system and can cause leaks.

3. Clean & Reinforce

Schedule gutter cleaning services to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris left over from the autumn. Debris not only clogs channels to cause shingle backups and pooling around your home’s foundation, but it also promotes rust. Clogged gutters allow rain and snow to freeze over debris, causing the underlying metal to stay damp and subsequently oxidize. Once the troughs are clean, reinforce them with brackets or bracing hardware to prevent bending from heavy snow and ice.

4. Trim Tree Branches

Prevent tree branches from falling on your gutters and roof during winter storms by getting them trimmed back. Routine trimming services also keep branches from rubbing on metal and shingle materials, which can create pathways for insects and rodents looking for shelter from the cold. 

If you need your gutters replaced this winter, contact Roofmasters in Galena, OH. The roofing company offers installations and replacements, among other roofing system services. Call (614) 404-6272 today to schedule an appointment, or visit the contractors online for residential service details. Get more home maintenance tips on Facebook.