Rain gutters direct rainwater away from your roof to protect your home’s foundation from water damage. But when temperatures fall to below freezing, you run the risk of your gutters freezing. When ice dams form in your gutters, they prevent snow and rain water from running off the roof, which can cause leaking and other damage to your home. Luckily, there are a few preventative steps you can take to prepare for the winter months and reduce the risk of frozen gutters.
- Helmet Heat® Gutter Heaters – MIG Building Systems installs Helmet Heat® gutter heaters, which use heated cables to line your gutters and downspouts. They work on a thermostat, so not only are the effective, they’re also energy-efficient. The thermostat keeps the temperature from getting too hot, helping prevent your gutters and drainage system from being damaged from heat. The snow melts easily and runs away from your house, reducing the chance of your gutters freezing.
- Gutter Helmet® – Gutter Helmet® systems are installed directly on your gutters to help prevent any debris from clogging them so the water has a direct path from which it can escape instead of getting trapped and then freezing in your gutters.
- Annual Cleaning – By cleaning out the leaves and debris in your gutters once a year, you can be sure that nothing is blocking the water from running off the gutters and away from your home.
- Vent Inspections – It’s important to inspect your attic vents to ensure they aren’t blocked. If you find that any of the insulation is damp, you should remove it right away and get any leaks in the attic or ceilings repaired.
- Attic Insulation – If your attic is not already insulated, it’s a good idea to insulate the entire attic, including the floors and ceiling. The added insulation will ensure your attic’s temperature is maintained so the snow melts evenly on your gutters. The amount of insulation you’ll need depends on the climate of your location.
- Waterproof Sealant – Use a waterproof sealant around electrical cables and vent pipes to prevent water leakage.
- Rock Salt – If you already notice some freezing in your gutters, sprinkle rock salt on top. The salt should start to defrost your gutters. (Please note: this is only a temporary solution, and you will still need to find and repair the issue that is causing your gutters to freeze).
Gutter Repair in Rochester & Syracuse, NY
If the gutters on your New York home are already freezing up, call MIG Building Systems, and we’ll get them repaired right away. Our gutter repair specialists have an average of 10 years of experience, so you can always rely on us to deliver reliable service and professional advice. If damaged gutters are not repaired, they can cause serious problems for your home. It’s important to have them inspected and fixed as soon as you notice any issues to prevent any further harm.
Contact us online or by phone at 888-397-0988 to schedule your gutter repair or receive a free estimate.
