Winter often brings a slew of home care problems you seldom deal with any other time of year. Your gutters in particular can take a rough beating in the cold. Here’s what to do when your gutters are frozen.
Use Hot Water
Hot water can thaw any frozen liquid accumulated in your gutters. This is a relatively quick and easy solution, since you likely have access to hot water at home. However, this tactic may require you to carry several buckets of water up and down ladders in the cold—take great care not to fall. Pay attention to the water to make sure it all drains out of your gutters. Otherwise, the leftover liquid could refreeze.
Avoid Salt and Sharp Objects
Salt will melt the ice, but it will damage your gutters over time, too. Just like a car that weathers too many salty winters, your metal gutters will begin rusting and corroding. In the long run, this could cost you more than a simple gutter cleaning. You should also avoid using shovels, axes, or other sharp objects. They may break the ice on the ground, but your gutters are much more delicate items that need careful attention. These tools could poke holes in the drainage system and bring along more costly repairs.
Prepare for Next Time
The best tactic for avoiding frozen gutters is being prepared. Take initiative the next time you notice snow or ice in the week’s weather forecast. If you see snow accumulating on your roof, use a rake to remove as much as possible before it hits your gutters. You can also use a professional service to address any existing gutter problems. If you need gutter cleaning in Frederick, MD, reach out to our team at Gutter Maid. Our professionals can keep your gutters clean, clear, and unfrozen all winter long.
Know what to do when your gutters are frozen, and act quickly. If you don’t know what to do about your gutter situation, reach out to us at Gutter Maid for more information.