It is common for gutters to be clogged or experience an excess of debris during the fall, but leaving this buildup through the winter can lead to severe damage. Leaving leaves, twigs, moss, moisture, or pests inside the gutters during a winter storm can make the removal process much more difficult and cause it all to freeze together. Frozen clogged gutters can attract pests, damage your roof, or make your gutters sag. This blog will share the risks of letting your clogged gutters freeze this winter and why cleaning is so important before the winter season.
Structural Instability
The most common danger of frozen clogged gutters is the effect on the structural integrity of the home. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up to other areas around your roof or home when it has nowhere to escape to. Moisture can spill over the sides of your gutter, go into cracks along the home, and damage the foundation. Pooling water around the base of your home can cause multiple problems that may not become apparent for years.
Falling Ice
As the winter temperature fluctuates, there may be warmer days when ice could start to melt around your home. Icicles or heavy snow could slide from your roof and gutters, threatening anybody walking below. Clogged gutters cause the water to drip over the sides, forming icicles over the walkway to your home. Preventing ice in the first place starts with having gutter cleaning at the end of the fall season. This allows water to flow freely down your downspout, preventing sharp ice shards.
Expansion And Contraction Damage
Another reason not to let your clogged gutters freeze this winter is expansion and contraction. As water turns into solid ice, it can push the limits of the container or space that it is in. With a large amount of debris in your gutters and ice pushing into the gaps, it can cause the gutters and roof to experience damage. Freezing and thawing temperatures when excess moisture is present will lift your shingles, cause gutters to sag from the fascia, or cause gutters to separate from downspouts. This separation can cause leaking water and further debris accumulation in the coming seasons.
Higher Risk Of Pests
Mice, rats, and some bugs will want to find a moist environment with food, or look for a warmer space inside your home. Once pests make their way into your home during the winter with a moist place to store food, they will be more likely to stay and breed there. Rodents are more common when you have excess debris in your gutters, which can lead to damaged wires, poisoned food, and infestations.
Damage To Fascia, Soffit, and Other Roof Components
Debris that fills up your gutters will cause ice to form on the top of the gutters, pushing up into your roof. Excess debris and expanding ice can lift up shingles, leaving the weaker parts of the roof exposed, and remove the gutters from the fascia or soffit, leading to more moisture dripping down from the gutters. Sagging gutters, damaged downspouts, lifting roof materials, and ripped-off fascia and soffit can be expensive to repair.
Gutter Cleaning From Jacob’s Ladder
Jacob’s Ladder offers quality gutter cleaning services to help you avoid a freeze during the winter. Our team can help you remove stubborn debris that could lead to more problems in the future. Depending on the season, gutter cleaning may need to be done multiple times to limit further issues around your home. No matter where you live in Colorado, the size of your home, or the age of your gutters, cleaning by a professional will extend the life of the gutters and your home.
Our professionals are licensed and insured to work on your home and provide you with a sparkling appearance. With window cleaning and gutter cleaning, your home can make a better impression and stand out among others in your neighborhood. Reach out to us to get a quote or schedule a cleaning today!