Make sure there are no visible leaks or apparent gaps between the fascia and the gutter.
Gutters leaking in the winter.
You also avoid dealing with the headache that is removing the ice dam and checking the roof for damage in the spring.
By maintaining and cleaning your gutters before winter you reduce your risk of developing an ice dam.
There are various ways of cleaning and maintaining your gutters during the cold winter period which can ensure that you do not suffer much damage in the warmer seasons.
Gutters after all protect your home against moisture directing water away from your home s windows siding foundation and other areas of your home you d prefer to keep dry you can t just sit idly by and allow a leaky gutter to wreak havoc to your home.
The importance of winter maintenance for your gutters.
Always inspect the seams.
This mitred corner is obviously leaking and needs repair.
If you have rubber membrane hidden gutters or epdm membrane gutters see here.
This guide will teach you a few simple repairs that will keep your downspout joints tight and reliably leak free for many years.
This tip is only if you have metal alluminum or steel gutters.
You ll still have to clean the gutters and the mesh will make the job harder.
Rushing water during rainstorms exposure to weather extremes heavy loads of snow in the coldest climes clogs of fallen leaves and the general ravages of time.
If you don t relish the thought of regular gutter cleaning fit your gutters with gutter guards but beware of wide mesh guards that allow pine needles and smaller debris to pass through.
For the do it yourselfers we ll teach you how you can reseal a leaking corner joint or a seam in your existing gutter system these are simple repairs anyone can do after a little practice.
Cleaning your gutters in the winter.
When water starts leaking from the gutter you know you ve got your work cut out for you.
Rain gutters take a lot of abuse.
This old house general contractor tom silva has a fast fix for a dripping rain gutter.
Micro mesh gutter guards are the best on the market according to the ncr consumer advocacy group.
However gutters are not always the root cause of an ice dam.
Ice dams are a common gutter problem during the winter season.
Learn about the gutter winter problems so that you know when to take action.
See below for a shopping list and tools subscribe to this old house.