Cleaning your gutters in the winter.
Gutters leaking in the winter.
For the do it yourselfers we ll teach you how you can reseal a leaking corner joint or a seam in your existing gutter system these are simple repairs anyone can do after a little practice.
Ice dams are a common gutter problem during the winter season.
Rain gutters take a lot of abuse.
By maintaining and cleaning your gutters before winter you reduce your risk of developing an ice dam.
With the winter season just around the corner you need to prepare your rain gutter system in salt lake city or other areas because snow and ice strain the roof and damage the gutters.
If you don t relish the thought of regular gutter cleaning fit your gutters with gutter guards but beware of wide mesh guards that allow pine needles and smaller debris to pass through.
There are various ways of cleaning and maintaining your gutters during the cold winter period which can ensure that you do not suffer much damage in the warmer seasons.
Micro mesh gutter guards are the best on the market according to the ncr consumer advocacy group.
If you have rubber membrane hidden gutters or epdm membrane gutters see here.
This tip is only if you have metal alluminum or steel gutters.
Make sure there are no visible leaks or apparent gaps between the fascia and the gutter.
This mitred corner is obviously leaking and needs repair.
The importance of winter maintenance for your gutters.
This guide will teach you a few simple repairs that will keep your downspout joints tight and reliably leak free for many years.
When water starts leaking from the gutter you know you ve got your work cut out for you.
Always inspect the seams.
However gutters are not always the root cause of an ice dam.
Over time gravity can cause joints to open up or they can get jostled from below and come loose.
Gutters after all protect your home against moisture directing water away from your home s windows siding foundation and other areas of your home you d prefer to keep dry you can t just sit idly by and allow a leaky gutter to wreak havoc to your home.
You ll still have to clean the gutters and the mesh will make the job harder.
You also avoid dealing with the headache that is removing the ice dam and checking the roof for damage in the spring.
A typical place for leaks to occur in the gutter system is at the downspout joints.
See below for a shopping list and tools subscribe to this old house.