Quality Gutter Covers: Ensure Your Home is Safe from Snow Damage
December 20, 2017
Heavy snowfall has been hitting different parts of the U.S. lately. While there’s no telling if this will continue in the upcoming months, it is best to have your house prepared just in case. Having quality gutter covers is a good place to start to ensure that your house and its roof are protected from snow and ice damage.
One problem that usually occurs during periods of heavy snowfall is the buildup of ice dams. These are ridges of ice that form at the edge of the roof, which prevents melting snow from being properly drained. It forms because of warm air inside the house that leaks into the attic and warms the upper portion of the roof’s underside, which ultimately causes snow and ice to melt. The melted water will run along the roof and will form icicles or an ice dam on the lower section of the roof. Water may also find its way through damaged shingles, cracks, and openings, and become an interior water leak.
The best way to deal with ice dams is by preventing them altogether. The most common way of accomplishing this is by installing heating cables along the lower edge of the roof. This provides insulation and protection to the roof. The best time to have these installed is before snowy weather hits since it would be dangerous to do so while there is snow and ice on the roof. They are an economical way of draining the roof of snowmelt.
Another solution is by making use of premium gutter covers with an integrated heat trace cable. These can be added to existing gutters and are able to melt snow, ice dams and icicles. These are very beneficial and homeowners should invest in them, especially for those who are living in areas where snowfall is frequent. These guards also lessen the need of frequently cleaning the gutters, which makes them a good deal.
Snow and ice may be pretty and all, but they also pose a potential threat to the roof and the home as a whole. You should be wary of upcoming weather and snow conditions and be prepared. Consult with companies such as GutterDome that offer excellent gutter guard solutions, which can keep your home protected during periods of heavy snowfall.
