Getting any kind of ice and snow in Texas may be exciting, but many homeowners in DFW aren’t prepared for the damage that this type of weather can cause their home. Frozen gutters may seem like the last thing you need to worry about, but they can cause serious issues, like ice dams on your roof and water damage. Once this happens, it can cost thousands in renovations and repairs. The best way to be prepared for notorious Texas ice storms is to keep your gutters from freezing in the first place with these five tips.
Ensure That Your Gutters Can Drain Properly
Your gutters should be sloped at such a degree that gravity helps the water they catch naturally drain from them by flowing downhill. The slope should be subtle enough that you can’t notice your gutters are tilted from the street or sidewalk, but steep enough that water naturally travels towards the downspout. This will prevent water from settling in them and freezing overnight.
Keep Your Gutters Clear of Any Debris
Debris like leaves and twigs commonly end up in gutters due to wind and other natural elements. If it has been awhile since you last checked to see if anything is clogging them, be sure to do so before winter ice storms occur. These blockages can lead to water pooling and collecting in an area, causing it to freeze and crack or damage the gutters.
Rock Salt Can Help Melt Ice
Ice melt may not be a common grocery list item in Texas, but there are times where it can be useful to have lying around. Rock salt is safe to use to melt ice in your gutters. Sprinkling a little bit into them after a cold night can help unclog them and reduce any blockage caused by ice.
Brush Snow From Your Roof
Having snow piled up on your roof and covering your gutters can make it impossible to clean them. Although it’s rare to experience a Texas blizzard, it never hurts to be prepared and have a few tricks in your back pocket! To keep your gutters from clogging and freezing, make sure to clear snow off of your roof and out of your gutters as soon as possible.
Try Gutter Cables That Are Heated
A convenient tool that many homeowners use to prevent their gutters from freezing and damaging is gutter heat tape or cord. You can string it along key areas of your gutters to prevent icicles from forming and ice from having a chance to collect. It doesn’t produce an intense amount of heat, so you won’t have to worry about a fire hazard, as long as you install the cord properly.
When it boils down to it, simply being prepared by following these five tips can help prevent thousands of dollars worth of water and gutter damage. If you do end up needing help to fix worn, cracked, and broken gutters, be sure to consult experts to get the job done right the first time around!
About Platinum Gutters
At Platinum Gutters, we’re a family-owned business with a team of professionals ready to tackle all of your gutter needs and prevent damage to your home. We repair, replace, and install gutters. We also offer leaf guards to help protect your investment and make it easier to clean up gutter debris. For a free estimate or to ask an expert about how you can protect your home and prevent problems arising down the road, visit our website or call 817-380-4404.