Every time winter rolls around, a charming line of icicles drips from the eaves of your home. What you might not know about that beautiful scene is the danger it may cause to your home's roof and gutters.

 

Icicles are typically caused when a buildup of frozen snow and ice clogs your gutters, leaving extra water with nowhere else to go. It's pretty to look at, but the weight of all that frozen water could cause your gutters to warp, bend, and even tear away from the roof, possibly costing thousands of dollars.

 

Leaf and debris buildup is the enemy of any gutter, but winter can be a particularly destructive season. Without professional gutter guards or seamless gutters, the process typically looks like this:

 

·        Leaves and debris build up in the gutter in fall

·        Rainfall further compacts and clogs the unprotected gutter

·        Water and freezing temperatures turn clogs into impenetrable ice dams

 

Fortunately, it's easy to guard against snow and ice buildup in the winter. Installing gutter guards over your new or existing gutters adds an extra protective wall against the elements. Guards are available in a range of designs and styles, from low-profile covers with small holes for water, to solid covers offering more comprehensive protection against debris and snow.

 

Whether you're outfitting a new home or simply trying to save yourself some time and money in spring cleanup, a full set of seamless gutters and gutter guards can mean less hassle. A licensed gutter contractor can do the work quickly and efficiently, making sure your installation goes right the first time. Upgrade your gutters before winter hits and leave the charming roof decoration to those icicle-shaped Christmas lights.