How to Prevent Gutter Ice Dams This Winter

How to Prevent Gutter Ice Dams This Winter

It is that time of year again. The snow and ice are returning, and so are the dreaded gutter ice dams. A gutter ice dam occurs when water from your roof freezes against your gutters, causing them to overflow onto your home. It can be an expensive problem to fix. In this article, we outline four ways to help you to prevent gutter ice this winter.

1. Install Gutters with a Deflector

If you have not already installed gutters on your home, now is the time to do so. Make sure to purchase gutters that come with a deflector. As a result, this will help keep the ice from building up and causing damage to your home.

Suppose you live in an area that frequently snows; installing gutter guards is also a good idea. This will help keep the snow and ice from building up in your gutters.

If you already have gutters installed on your home, but they do not have a deflector, you can purchase one separately and attach it with the help of a skilled roofing contractor.

2. Metal Roofing

If you consider replacing your roof, consider installing a metal roof. Metal roofs are less likely to form ice dams than asphalt roofs.

In addition, metal roofs are more durable and can last longer than asphalt roofs. They also come in various colors and styles, so you can find one that will match your home’s aesthetics.

If you are not interested in replacing your roof, you can install metal roofing over your current asphalt roof. This will help to prevent the formation of ice dams.

Metal roofs are more expensive than asphalt roofs, but they may be worth the investment if you live in an area prone to gutter ice dams.

If you do not want to install metal roofing, look into installing standing-seam panels. Standing seam panels are made of durable aluminum and can also help prevent ice dams from forming on your home’s roof.

3. Insulation

One of the best ways to prevent gutter ice dams is to insulate your home correctly. If you have inadequate insulation, the warm air inside your home will escape and rise to the roof, where it will then freeze.

For insulation to be effective, proper installation is paramount. At our Bucks County roofing company, we ensure that the insulation is not compressed or damaged.

Gutter Ice Dams is a serious issue and one that can cause extensive damage to your home if it is not dealt with immediately. If you see signs of an ice dam, such as water pooling on the side of your home’s roof, be sure to contact help from a skilled roofing contractor.

4. Remove Snow from Roof

In addition to preventing ice dams, you should also be sure to clear away snow from your roof. If the weight of accumulated snow is too much for your roof’s shingles and trusses to handle, it can cause structural damage or even collapse.

Be especially careful if there has been a recent snowstorm and the snow is still fresh. The added weight of the new snow can cause severe damage to your home.

To clear away snow from your roof, you can use a shovel or rake. Be sure to take care when walking on your roof, as it may be slippery.

If you are not comfortable clearing away the snow from your roof, you can hire a skilled roofing contractor to do it for you. Once you hire us, to be sure, we arrive at your place with the proper equipment and experience necessary to remove snow from your home’s roof safely.

Conclusion

Gutter ice dams can be a severe problem, but there are ways to prevent them. By following the above tips, you can help keep the water from freezing and damaging your home. If you already have these measures in place, be sure to check them regularly to make sure they are still working properly. For more details on preventing gutter ice dams, be sure to contact us today.