November 21, 2022
The Damage Ice Can Do To Your Copper Gutters
Winter is on its way with all the ice, snow, and freezing temperature it brings. It’s time to prepare your copper gutter system to be able to handle the harsh weather. Ice can heavily impact your gutter system in many ways. But don’t panic, there are steps that you can take to make sure your gutter system is protected.
What Sort of Issues Can Ice Cause to My Copper Gutters?
- Ice Causes Too Much Pressure on Your Copper Gutters
The weight can cause damage to the gutters or even cause them to collapse.
- Ice Leads to Copper Downspout Blockage
Ice builds up in the downspouts during the winter, which then become blocked and cannot carry water away from your home.
- Ice Leads to Fascia and Roof Decking Damage
As ice builds up inside gutters it grows under the drip edge and can expand into your fascia and roof decking. Over time the wood will rot and this can spread into your home.
- Icicles Can Pull Your Gutters Away From Your Roof
Ice buildup causes icicles, which hang off the gutter system and can pull gutters away causing damage to your roof.
- Ice Causes Falling Branches to Damage Your Home and Gutters
Ice causes branches to break from the trees; they not only fall on the roof but can break windows and siding, or severely damage your roof.
- Ice Dams Can Damage Your Shingles
These form as gutters and downspouts become blocked. They consist of large slabs of ice along the roofline, as they melt, water seeps under the roofline and causes shingle damage.
- Water Damage
As the temperatures warm up and the ice melts there is a lot of water around which can cause damage to your roof, sidings, and your gutters.
To protect your gutter system from ice this winter there are some steps that you can take. Make sure all your copper gutters Chicago are cleaned and free of debris and blockages. In addition, cut down any hanging branches they may break during the winter. There are heating devices that can be used within guttering systems, these can be set at a temperature that will prevent ice from forming.
