Greenville, South Carolina, has been experiencing erratic weather lately. The heavy snowfall caused schools to close, forcing learners to move to eLearning for the duration.
The dangerous conditions are especially frustrating for residents in the area and a reminder that nature will humble you no matter how safe you think your home is.
Snow and ice are the biggest threat to a home’s roof and gutter system. Without proper protection and upkeep, it can lead to many problems.
For obvious reasons, gutter installers in Greenville, SC are working overtime, tending to manic call-outs and last-minute repairs.
Below, we’ll look at how to protect your gutters from heavy snow and ice.
How Much Snow Can Your Roof and Gutter Handle?
Consider the following: an inch of ice weighs about 5 pounds per square foot. Imagine an older roof that’s fast deteriorating. It’s more vulnerable to damage and collapsing.
The weight of snow and ice can cause gutters to collapse. Unfortunately, a compromised gutter can have a detrimental effect on the rest of your home.
Melted snow can back onto the roof, overflow the sliding and flood the basement. Worst case scenario? Damage to your house’s foundation is a real danger.
Icicles Are Never a Good Sign
They may appear pretty from a distance but icicles are unwanted guests on gutters, porches and eaves, states Homes & Gardens.
Icicles have been known to crack gutters and damage a home’s exterior. A guttering expert tells the publication the last thing homeowners should do is knock them off with a pole. There’s a chance of them falling and injuring you.
Instead, use a ladder to carefully remove icicles and a de-icing product to melt them. Or, you could call in the professionals. SureFlow Gutters advises enlisting a trusted gutter installation and repair company serving the area.
Regular Gutter Maintenance
Homes in heavily wooded regions are prone to leaves clogging gutters, creating backups and other problems.
Regular maintenance is best to avoid the costly process of gutter replacement. If left unattended, debris allows water to freeze and snow to build up, pushing it back under roof shingles.
Install Gutter Guards
Experts agree that gutter guards offer a long-term fix. You’re probably asking, why gutter guards?
For one, a good gutter system should last between 20 and 50 years if well maintained. Gutter guards extend the longevity of gutters. They prevent leaves and bigger items from entering the gutters.
These contraptions come in extra handy if you live in a storm-prone area and constantly have to clean clogged gutters.
Heat Tape
Installing heat tape along gutters and downspouts can be expensive and tends to cost more than gutter guards.
An electrician usually installs the protected electrical cord, which is then used to prevent gutters and pipes from freezing. Heat tape works exceptionally well when combined with gutter guards as the guards trap all the heat inside, ensuring the gutter system stays warm.
Gutter Fasteners
Metal roofs can be especially problematic during winter. Sliding snow can rip off whole gutters.
Other times when the gutter shows signs of pulling away from the house, you have two choices: replace the entire gutter system or invest in gutter fasteners. However, it’s best to consult a gutter repair company before embarking on a DIY project.
Gutters are traditionally installed with aluminum spikes and ferrules. You can upgrade to ceramic- or copper-coated stainless steel screws for a more secure hold that prevents sagging or loosening.
Roof Rake
Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Practical and easy to use, roof rakes are your first line of defense against snow and ice.
Available at most hardware stores, these nifty tools can remove snow from the roof and gutters without a ladder. Remember to keep an eye on the snowfall. If the roof is already covered in snow, clear it before the next storm hits.
Snow Patrol
Leaving an inch or two of snow on your roof is advisable as you could scrape and damage your gutters and shingles.
And don’t forget that gutters and downspouts should be clear of debris. If you see icicles forming on the roof, it’s a sign your gutters are backed up.
Maintaining your roof and gutter system is imperative to avoid costly repairs or new gutters installed. Invest in long-term solutions to ensure your home is properly secured against the hard winters. Be on the lookout for leaking gutters and other gutter problems.
If need be, bring in an expert to do proper maintenance checks and a thorough gutter and roof inspection before the next storm rolls in. Don’t wake up at the last minute; it could cost you dearly.
