Winter can be hard on your Northern Kentucky gutters and downspouts because the temperature often plummets to below freezing. If you have a home in the northern Kentucky area, then you know how hard the constant warming and thawing can be on your home, HVAC system, as well as the roofing and even the exterior painting on the siding. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top four problems that winter can mean for your gutters and downspouts.
1. Ice dams in your Northern Kentucky gutters and downspouts
Ice damming is one of the worst issues that can arise in the dreary and frigid Kentucky winter. Ice damming occurs when warm heat loss melts the snow on the roof rapidly causing it to melt and fall into the gutters. The problem with this is that the drains are still ice cold. When the rushing water hits the icy gutters, the liquid refreezes and causes an ice block in the troughs as well as the downspouts. The weight of the ice can even bend and crack the existing gutters to the point they will need significant repair or new installation in the spring.
2. Leaky roof
A leaky roof is never a good find. The most important aspect when you notice a leaking roof is to locate where the leak is occurring. Is it around the chimney flashing? Do chimney repairs need to happen to correct the issue? Heavy snowfall with attic heat loss can cause the snow to melt and seep into the roof deck causing wood rot and mold. The snow and ice can also melt rapidly and cause ice damming that was explained above. Make sure you are inspecting your roof in the fall before winter arrives.
3. Frozen pipes
Another winter complication that can occur in your Northern Kentucky gutters and downspouts as well as the rest of your home are frozen water pipes. Make sure you are frequently checking the insulation around your water pipes as they can freeze in frigid temperatures. A pipeline that freezes has water inside of it that expands and causes added pressure to the pipe. This additional pressure can cause the pipe to burst and can flood your home with water. Get in the habit of checking the insulation around the water pipes yearly as rodents and critters can steal the insulation to make a nest in their dens.
4. Non-existent insulation
The last essential tip to keep your Northern Kentucky gutters and downspouts in good working condition this winter is to verify that the attic and other upstairs rooms are not losing their heat to the roof. Make sure they are insulated correctly and have a local handyman come and place additional insulation if you are lacking. You also need to make sure you keep the attic slightly cooler as this will also keep the roof at an even temperature and prevent ice damming from occurring in the troughs of the gutters.
As you can see, multiple issues can arise in the winter with your Northern Kentucky gutters and downspouts. Whether you have to deal with frozen pipes, ice dams in the gutters, a leaky roof from heavy snowfall, or many other issues, once they are repaired, your home will be able to take on the bone-chilling temperatures for many years to come. If you follow our advice on the top four problems that winter can mean for your gutters and downspouts, you will have the best-prepared home in all of Kentucky!
