We’re officially in the thick of the Winter season! Although many people look forward to this cold weather, it can wreak havoc on your gutters if you fail to prepare properly. Fortunately, you can stay ahead of the game and prevent these problems from happening in the first place. The good news is there are plenty of things you can do to stop freezing temperatures from destroying your gutters. Read on for a winter checklist that’ll help prepare your home for the cold season.
Clean Your Gutters
If left alone, the debris in your gutters will accumulate and form large bundles that will become blockages when the winter weather arrives. Therefore, you need to clean out your gutters as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to remove the debris before freezing temperatures turn it into heavy ice dams. Make sure you get it done before the first snowfall!
Make Repairs
Over the year, wind and natural wear can leave your gutters slightly damaged. For instance, the screws (which hold the mounting straps to your house) can become loose. This allows your gutters to be blown by the wind, worsening the loosening of the mounting strap and causing the gutters to sag or sway.
Tighten Screws
Are your screws loose? Make sure you tighten them! It will help keep your gutters stable during the winter season, lowering your risk of any issues. If you cannot tighten the screws, you can install a gutter hanger to keep the gutter stable until it can be properly repaired during better weather.
Trim Any Branches
Ice tends to cling to anything it touches, including the tree branches near your home. Even in warmer states like Texas, the ice can build up and become too much for smaller branches to support. As a result, they may snap and fall off. These branches could land in your gutters, causing clogs or damages. Once fall arrives, you can set some time aside to trim tree branches around your home to prevent any issues.
Add Some Heat
Heating cables are a wonderful tool to add to your home! It’s especially helpful for areas that are vulnerable to the frigid bite of cold temperatures. By running a heating cable through your gutters, you can prevent ice dams from forming inside of them throughout the winter season. Don’t want to use cables? Heating tape is an excellent alternative!
About Platinum Gutters
Platinum Gutters is happy to offer friendly, attentive, and personalized gutter services to homeowners in the DFW and surrounding areas. Our team takes pride in the ability to provide exceptional service using the highest quality materials. If you have any questions about preparing your gutters for the cold weather, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can visit our website or call our office today to speak to an experienced team member.