During the winter, freezing temperatures bring the risk of freezing gutters, which could cause major damage to your home. Frozen gutters can create ice dams, roof leaks, and even weaken the structure of your home. Fortunately, there are several things you can do now to prevent your gutters from freezing and causing further problems.

Keep Gutters Clean

One of the best ways to prevent freezing is to make sure your gutters are clean. Clear any leaves, dirt, and debris from your gutters. Clogged gutters trap water, which then freezes in the winter and ice starts to build up. A thorough cleaning of your gutters can make a huge difference.

Ensure Proper Drainage

If water has nowhere to go, it will collect in the gutters and freeze. Make sure your downspouts are clear and extend a few feet away from your home’s foundation. Good drainage will make it much less likely for frozen gutters.

Install Gutter Guards

Gutter guards help keep debris out while still allowing water to flow. This reduces the risk of blockages and ice formation.

Use Heating Devices

Installing heated cables along the edge of your roof and inside the gutters can prevent ice from forming. Because of the constant warmth from these cables, snow and ice can melt and drain easily.

Heat tape, which self-regulates temperature as well, can be placed inside the gutters to keep water flowing, even in freezing conditions.

Improve Attic Insulation and Ventiliation

If an attic isn’t insulated well, heat can escape through the roof and cause melting and refreezing. This takes a toll on gutters. Making sure your attic is well-insulated will prevent heat from escaping and reduce the amount of water that is refreezing in the gutters. Proper ventilation also regulates roof temperature.

Apply Calcium Chloride Deicer

Sprinkling a calcium chloride deicer into your gutters can help melt ice and prevent new ice from forming. Avoid using rock salt, as it can cause damage to your gutters and roof.

Check for Proper Slope

Gutters should be slightly sloped to allow water to drain properly. If water pools in certain sections, it is more likely to freeze. Adjust the pitch of your gutters if you suspect they aren’t draining well.

Clear Snow from the Roof

You can use a roof rake to remove excess snow if you want to prevent excessive melting and freezing in your gutters. This is especially important after heavy snowfall.

Schedule a Gutter Inspection

Although there are many options for how to keep your gutters from freezing in the winter, our roofing experts can give you advice for what will work best for your home. Each home is build differently, which calls for different solutions. Call CCX Roofing today if you are concerned about your gutters freezing. We are happy to inspect your gutters, identify potential issues, and provide solutions that will keep your gutters working well through the winter.

Don’t wait for your frozen gutters to become a big problem.