Can Weather Affect My Gutters?

October 2, 2017

Icicles on a broken gutterIt can – and it WILL! Weather of all kinds can cause untold damage to your gutters. They may be referred to as “rain” gutters, but so much more than just rain gets trapped in them. It’s important to check out your rain gutters after any kind of weather event to ensure they remain fully functional. This blog will give you some more information about potential weather hazards to your gutters and what to look for once the storm has passed. If you catch issues in the early stages, you may be able to repair gutters instead of replacing them.

Wind Damage

High speed winds can wreak havoc on your gutters and your roof. Not only can the winds themselves cause the gutter to shift and loosen the spikes that hold them in place, but wind can blow other large objects or tree branches into the gutters which can break them or pull them free from their anchoring against the home. After a storm with high speed winds, look around your house for debris on the roof. Check for areas where the gutters look like they’re farther from the house or sagging downwards. The next time you clean the gutters, check for holes in the gutters caused by objects flung by high speed winds.

Rainfall & Hail

Rain is exactly what your gutters are made for, and a well maintained gutter system will keep all of this water away from your roof, siding, bricks, and landscaping. However, if the gutters are clogged by leaves, mud, or other debris, the water will be stuck in the gutters making them heavy and potentially pulling them away from their anchoring. Hail is another concern that accompanies rain. Hail can poke holes in your gutters, break them off, or dent them making it more difficult for water to flow through. Check for any changes in the shape or position of your gutters after rainstorms and look to see if the water is flowing freely from the downspout.

The Impact of Ice & Snow

Ice and snow are the most dangerous elements for your roof and gutters. If snow or ice is allowed to sit inside your gutters, the added weight will pull them away from the house. The gutters may expand when water freezes and contract when it melts, which can lead to cracks between sections or misshapen gutters. After a freeze, keep an eye on your gutters. Make sure the sides are not bulging out, and they’re not sagging downward. When the ice and snow begin to melt, make sure the water is flowing freely from your downspout.

Meet the Platinum Gutters Team

At Platinum Gutters, we’re committed to providing quality gutter services to residents from Flower Mound, all of Tarrant and Dallas County, and beyond. If you want to find out more about gutters, call our team to schedule a complimentary evaluation and estimate visit. One of our caring team members will come out to your home, look over your gutters, and give you a range of options to ensure you find the right solution to restore your gutter.