If you live in Vermont or anywhere in New England, you already know how harsh the winters can be. Between freezing rain, heavy snow, and icy winds, your gutters go through a lot. Prepping them before winter hits isn’t just a good idea, it can save you from roof leaks, ice dams, and expensive water damage later on.
Here’s a simple guide on how to get your gutters ready for winter so you can keep your home safe and dry all season long.
Why Winter Ready Gutters Matter
When temperatures drop, any water left sitting in your gutters can freeze and cause blockages. Once that happens, melting snow from your roof has nowhere to go; it refreezes along the edges and creates ice dams. These heavy ridges of ice can pull gutters loose, damage shingles, and even cause leaks inside your home.
Taking a little time in the fall to clean and winterize your gutters keeps water flowing properly and prevents those headaches before they start.
- Clean Out Debris Before the First Freeze
- Check for Damage or Loose Spots
- Make Sure Water Flows Away From the House
- Consider Installing Gutter Guards or Downspout Extensions
- Keep an Eye Out During Winter
Step 1: Clean Out Debris Before the First Freeze
This is the most important step. Clear out leaves, twigs, and dirt from your gutters and downspouts before temperatures drop. Even a small blockage can cause standing water to freeze and expand, cracking or warping your gutters.
Step 2: Check for Damage or Loose Spots
Inspect your gutters for cracks, sagging sections, or loose fasteners. Tighten brackets and make sure downspouts are firmly attached. Snow and ice can be heavy if your gutters are already a bit loose, that extra weight could pull them away from your roofline.
If you’re not comfortable climbing a ladder, this is a good time to call a professional for an inspection. They can fix small issues before they turn into big problems mid-winter.
Step 3: Make Sure Water Flows Away From the House
Once everything’s clean, run a little water through your gutters using a hose. Watch the flow and it should move smoothly toward the downspouts and away from your foundation. If the water pools or spills over, your gutters might be clogged or pitched incorrectly. A professional can easily adjust the slope so water drains properly.
Step 4: Consider Installing Gutter Guards or Downspout Extensions
Gutter guards can reduce how often you need to clean your gutters by keeping out large debris. They’re especially helpful in late fall when trees are dropping leaves nonstop. Also check your downspouts adding an extension can help carry water several feet away from your foundation, reducing the risk of basement leaks and icy walkways.
Step 5: Keep an Eye Out During Winter
Even if you’ve done all your prep work, it’s smart to check your gutters a few times through the season. After heavy snow or thawing periods, walk around your home and look for signs of trouble:
- Ice hanging off the gutters
- Overflowing water during melt
- Sagging or bending sections
- Icicles forming on the roof edge
If you spot these, there might be an ice dam forming. Don’t try to chip it off. Instead, contact a professional who can safely remove the buildup without damaging your roof.
Spending just a bit of time prepping your gutters this fall can save you a lot of time and money during the freezing months ahead. It’s one of the easiest ways to protect your roof, siding, and foundation from winter damage.
Need help getting your gutters ready for winter? Contact us for professional gutter cleaning and inspection to make sure your home is winter ready from top to bottom.
