5 Common Winter Gutter Issues

5 Common Winter Gutter Issues

Gutters are an important part of the water drainage system of our roofs, allowing water to drain away from our homes. This is important because any buildup of snow, ice, or meltwater can cause damage to the roof and ultimately lead to water damage in to your walls and ceilings.

Read on to discover five of the most common winter gutter issues, some of which you may not have thought to check before!

1. Fall leaf buildup

Debris in your gutters prevents water from draining away from your roof. This contributes to snow, ice, and water to build up and cause water leaks. Clogged gutters can also lead to the formation of ice dams which can cause significant water damage to your home.

2. Wildlife Nests
   If you have leaf buildup in your gutters, there’s a chance you may have some uninvited guests living in your gutters as well. Small creatures like mice, squirrels and birds sometimes choose to build their nests in gutters – and they don’t clean up after themselves once they’re finished! Nests are densely packed with mud, straw, and other vegetation that can clog your gutters and downspouts.
3. Clogged or Frozen Downspouts

Ensuring that your gutters are clear is important, but don’t forget to also check your downspouts to make sure that they are free from any clogs or ice jams. Downspouts work with gutters to direct snowmelt away from your home. Buildup in downspouts can lead to overflowing gutters, ice dams, water leaks. If downspouts have a buildup of ice, they can crack and explode.

4. Ice Dams

Ice dams develop when the temperature of the upper roof is warmer than the temperature around the gutters. This causes snow on the upper roof to melt then freeze once it hits the gutter, causing a buildup of ice within the gutters. Ice within the gutters can cause cracks and breaks to the gutters, and also blocks the gutters and downspouts from draining which can contribute to further leaks and water damage.

5. Icicles
   Large icicles can put extra weight on your gutters and lead to cracks and collapse. Additionally, melting icicles can cause leaks within your roof and walls as well as posing a risk to anyone walking underneath them.

As you can see, many of the most common winter gutter issues result from the gutters being clogged with fall leaves, animal nests, or ice. To prevent these issues from causing ice dams and leakage, make sure to give your gutters a thorough clean out in the fall to ensure that they are in good working condition. Don’t forget to check your downspouts too, as they help to direct water away from the foundation of your home.