You may have realized that your gutters desperately need some cleaning… but it’s the dead of winter. But don’t worry – although winter may not be the ideal time to get up on your roof and clear out your gutters, it’s helpful and sometimes necessary to take care of some of the causes and problems of a bad gutter system.

Here are 9 ways in which you can give your gutter the treatment that it needs.

1. Trim Overhanging Branches

If you have trees near your home, it might be a good idea to put on a coat and remove any branches that hang over your roof. Falling leaves, sticks, and dirt can all collect in the gutters and lead to leakage. Removing a big contributor to the problem is going to drastically reduce the negative impact on your gutter system.

2. Ensure Insulation and Ventilation

Making sure that your attic is retaining, not losing, heat will help keep the roof at a stable temperature. If the roof is well insulated, then this can help prevent water from melting and refreezing in your gutters. Check in your attic to make sure that there aren’t any temperature problems that could potentially lead to gutter damage.

3. Install Heated Gutter Cables

A creative way to get right to the problem of frozen gutters in the winter is by installing heated cables in your gutters and downspouts. This will help to defrost any frozen water and keep the gutter draining properly.

4. Apply a De-Icing Agent

Like how rock salt is used for preventing ice build up on roads, there are de-icing agents that are roof and gutter safe. Calcium chloride is one option that can help, but make sure that you don’t use rock salt, as this could corrode the metal in your gutters. Adding an agent can keep your gutter functioning well, even in the winter.

5. Rake Your Roof

Using a rake roof can be a great way to minimize snow and ice build-up in your gutter. The unique shape can help in clearing a track and keeping your gutter clean. Keep about 3-4 feet clear to help the gutter move smoothly and effectively.

6. Install Gutter Guards

A helpful way to prevent debris from getting stuck in your gutter is by getting a professional to install gutter guards. Using a mesh screen, flat protector, or even foam inserts can minimize debris build-up, which causes overflow.

7. Check For Clogs

Don’t wait until the warmer weather before checking that your gutters are in working condition. Periodically check your downspouts and gutters to see that there aren’t any blockages that could lead to build-up, ice dams, or clogged gutters.

8. Preventative Care

So you can be prepared for the next winter, make sure you stay on top of your routine maintenance. Scheduling cleanings regularly and checking for any problems in your gutters – like sagging or leaking – can prevent expensive damage down the line. It’s also a good idea to clear out leaves, branches, and fallen leaves after autumn, but before winter, so you can deal with the problems prior to cold months.

9. Hire a Professional

Professional gutter cleaners, like at Gutter On, can safely handle cleaning out your gutters during the winter months when it can be dangerous to an untrained homeowner. We offer services that help address blockage, maintenance, and full replacements, so you never have to worry about the effects of a ruined gutter during the middle of winter.

To make sure that your gutter, and therefore your home, is at its safest and most comfortable during the winter months, reach out to us to get your gutters taken care of this winter.