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Icicles may remind you of the holidays, but they’re actually bad news. The formation of ice on your roof and your gutter system is generally not good. This blog post by a gutter and roof replacement expert will help you understand why.
Ice Is Heavy
Ice that has formed in your gutters makes them useless, and it also burdens your entire gutter system with the added weight. The longer the ice stays, the harder it is for your gutters to stay connected to your home.
Ice Blocks Downspouts
Gutters lead rainwater and snowmelt runoff from the roof toward downspouts, which lead the water away from your home to prevent rot, foundation damage, soil erosion, basement flooding, and water damage. Even a wood deck builder would worry about the effect of overflowing water from gutters. Ice in your downspouts will prevent the flow of water, rendering your entire gutter system useless.
Icicles Form on Gutter Lips
When there is ice in your gutters, chances are high that overflowing water will also freeze, forming icicles. Icicles add even more weight, and they present a serious threat to people, animals, and landscapes if they break off.
Ice Dams Make Matters Worse
A roof with poor or clumped insulation and poor ventilation often has problems with ice dams. The top of the roof often gets too hot, even while the edges are at freezing temperatures. When snow at the top melts, the runoff refreezes at the colder edges of the roof, forming ice dams. Ice in your gutters can double the size and weight of an ice dam. Ice dams prevent water from falling into the gutters and downspouts, so the water backs up and seeps under your shingles, causing expensive damage over time.
Prevention
Ice can damage your home in different ways, so the best way to defend your home is by not allowing ice to form. The Helmet Heat ice reduction system is one way to prevent ice buildup in your gutters and downspouts. Another way to reduce ice formation is to make sure your roof has enough insulation and ventilation, preventing ice dams. Keep your gutters and downspouts clear of debris such as leaves and pine needles, so water doesn’t pool and turn into ice. Ask your gutter and roof repair contractor for advice on how to keep icy buildup at bay.Get in touch with us at Home Pro Exteriors, Inc. Call us at (845) 343-1777. We’ll help you in Warwick, NY.
