The winter season can be detrimental to your home. Snow, ice, and strong winds can turn your holiday season into a winter storm. This, in turn, can damage your exterior and roof, chip away paint, and ruin your gutters. Your gutters are especially prone to the seasonal changes, since they’re exposed to the conditions. Fortunately, these tips for winter gutter maintenance will protect your gutters for even the worst winter weather—especially in Maryland and Virginia.
Keep Gutters Clear of Debris
This is probably the most obvious solution to gutter maintenance. Keeping gutters debris-free will make sure they are working efficiently. Be sure to clean your gutters during a thaw or clear day. Snow and ice can accumulate, so you should consider installing a heat cable or de-icing system. This will ensure no ice dams develop in the extreme cold. It will also prevent roof damage and leaking.
Check for Structural Damage
The siding of your gutters is important for protecting their interior. Be mindful of staining, rotting, or other water damage. Cracks or gaps in your gutters can lead to water damage on your home’s exterior. Repair these gaps as soon as possible.
Invest in Gutter Covers
Gutter covers or guards are used to prevent clogged gutters and damage. There are four main types of gutter guards: brush, foam, surface tension, and screen. Brush gutter guards prevent large debris from blocking the passageway, but do not effectively block small debris. Foam guards resemble Styrofoam and prevent large objects from blocking water flow. However, they do not prevent algae or plant growth. Surface tension guards narrow the gutter openings which reduces clogging. Lastly, screen gutter guards are micromesh guards that protect against small and large debris. These are the most common and most effective guards used. Typically, screen guards are made of metal or plastic and can be mounted on or snapped in place.
Keep Surrounding Areas Trimmed and Clear
Similarly, you should ensure the area around your gutters is clean and maintained, too. Trim trees to prevent leaves and branches from building up. Likewise, snow or ice can accumulate on tree branches causing it to crash down and damage your gutters and house.
If you don’t feel comfortable with gutter work, contact us at Gutter Maid for the best gutter cleaning in Maryland. Don’t wait for the worst of snow, ice, and wind to hit. Call us to protect your gutters and home from the winter conditions.