As you bundle up in warm coats and scarves, it’s clear that freezing weather is just around the corner in the Twin Cities metro area. Winter weather is a given in our northern climate, and this year promises to be especially cold.
While snow and ice add a picturesque quality to the season, they can also cause significant issues for your home, particularly your gutter system. Thankfully, these problems can be avoided if addressed early. At The Construction Group in Woodbury, we offer ice dam removal services and storm damage inspections to help safeguard your home.
In this blog post, our professional ice dam removal team explains what happens when gutters freeze and how we can help you manage the damage.
Understanding Frozen Rain Gutters
When gutters freeze, it’s often due to blockages that cause water to accumulate and turn to ice, preventing the gutters from functioning correctly. This can lead to several issues, including gutters, eaves, and roofing damage. Blocked gutters can become clogged with leaves, berries, or seeds from nearby trees. When it rains and temperatures drop, this buildup can freeze, obstructing water flow and drainage. Heavy snow buildup can also contribute to frozen gutters and subsequent ice dam formation.
How Ice Dams Form
Ice dams occur when water on your roof melts and then refreezes. Typically, snow or ice accumulates on your roof during the winter. Heat from your attic can cause this precipitation to melt, sending water into your gutter system. When it reaches your eaves or gutters, it can refreeze, preventing proper drainage and rerouting water onto your roof, which can cause severe damage. This process can damage your siding, roof, and foundation.
Impact of Water on Your Home
When water has nowhere to go on your roof, it can seep under your shingles and into your attic. This can lead to various types of damage:
- Mold Growth: Moisture inside your home can create a breeding ground for mold, which can damage walls, furnishings, and carpets and pose serious health risks. Mold remediation can be costly.
- Attic Insulation Damage: Water-exposed insulation can lose effectiveness and become susceptible to mold growth. Wet insulation should be replaced promptly.
- Wood Rot: The underlayment and structural materials of your roof can rot when exposed to water, compromising the structural integrity of your home.
- Frozen Gutter Damage: The material of frozen gutters is not designed to withstand the expansion and contraction caused by freezing, making them prone to rust, joint damage, and seams issues.
- Interior Water Damage: Water infiltration can stain walls and ceilings, damage sheetrock, and lead to structural problems in your home.
- Foundation Damage: Improperly drained water can damage your home’s foundation, leading to settling issues, cracked walls, and warped flooring.
Signs of Frozen Gutter Problems
Watch for these signs that indicate your rain gutters may be frozen:
- Icicles on your roof
- Stains on your siding
- Damaged gutter joints
- Water leaks through the ceiling
- Water pooling around your home’s foundation
Preventing Frozen Gutters
Preventive measures can help you avoid frozen gutters:
- Correct Gutter Slope: Ensure your gutters are sloped correctly for proper drainage. Use a level to check and adjust the slope as needed before winter.
- Clean Gutters: Clean your gutters of leaves and debris in the fall. Wear proper safety gear and use a stable ladder with assistance from another adult.
- Sodium Chloride: Sprinkle sodium chloride to prevent ice formation if you notice icicles starting to form.
- Heated Cables: Install heated cables for gutters to melt ice and avoid ice dams.
- Snow Removal: Using a telescoping roof rake clears snow from eaves and gutters.
Ice Dam Removal Services
Professional contractors can remove ice dams using specialized tools. Our team uses an insulated heating core to melt frozen gutters, ensuring they function correctly. After thawing, a preventative salt application can keep your gutters flowing smoothly.
Contact Our Twin Cities Gutter Experts Today!
If you’re worried about frozen gutters, we’re here to help. Our rain gutter repair team can assess your current system’s functionality and address any necessary repairs. We also provide complete storm damage repair services for winter storms. Contact The Construction Group at 651-731-5857 for a free quote, or visit our website to learn more.
Get a Free Quote on Steel Siding Replacement
For a free quote on steel siding replacement services, contact The Construction Group in Woodbury at 651-731-5857 or visit our website to discuss siding solutions for your home.