Did you know that little old gutters can be the main cause of major issues for your homes exterior? Gutters past their prime or neglected during Fall cleaning and maintenance are one of the main issues we get calls about during Richmond’s winter weather.
Slow-running or clogged gutters cause ice buildup. How? When the snow and ice from your roof are melting, they run through a clean gutter system with ease. When those gutters are clogged with leaves, pine needles or other debris, this could cause the water to become standing water in your gutters. When temperatures drop, that standing water will freeze. Water expands when it freezes, so it can push open the seams of gutters and create other cracks. Gutter corners and connections are especially vulnerable to damage from snow and ice. Even a small change in the gutter’s slope from a freeze/thaw cycle can cause more drainage problems. Ice and snow are heavy, and excess weight from either can cause gutters to sag, gutter brackets to give in and the whole gutter system to collapse, especially if your fascia boards are already introduced to rot!
Thankfully, the solution to these problems are easy, but you have to be ahead of the game! Routine maintenance and cleaning will solve any potential issues down the road for newer or well maintained gutter systems. If your gutter system is older or already showing signs of issues, Tredegar can help! We can replace your gutter system, improve the system so water flows away from your home, and even install gutter guards to keep maintenance easy! But don’t wait! These issues need to be fixed immediately! Reach out today to see how we can help keep your home safe this winter!
