Are LeafGuard gutter systems at fault for your ice dams? Short answer: no. We’ll explain and help you understand what causes ice dams, how gutter protection systems work, and what to do when it comes to ice dam prevention.
What are ice dams and what do I do about them?
Have you seen a solid chunk of icicles hanging off the side of a roof? That’s an ice dam. You’ll notice them in the days after a heavy snowfall, when that picturesque snow-covered roofing starts to look less like a Christmas card illustration and more like a headache waiting to happen. In other words, they’re ice that forms at the edge of a roof and can prevent water from draining along with other problems.
If your home is prone to ice dams, you can consider installing heat tape to prevent too much snow from accumulating on your roof. Here are some other suggestions for how to deal with ice dams.
Do ice dams always cause damage?
Damage is a real threat here, for multiple reasons. All that weight hanging off your rain gutters can pull them down and off your home. Since water won’t flow properly, it may back up and seep into your home, causing leaks, saggy ceilings, and other water damage. In addition, the process of melting and refreezing could spell trouble for your sidewalk. One wrong step on a slick spot might cause injury to you or your loved ones. Some homeowners balk at the cost of new gutters, but if what you currently have is dangerous or damaging to your home, it may be worth it to upgrade.
What causes ice dams?
Heat from inside your attic rises and warms up the surface of your roof, causing snow to slide down the shingles. When the snowmelt hits your still-frozen eaves, the water freezes again, this time into an ice dam. This process can repeat multiple times throughout winter if the temperatures stay cold enough to sustain the freeze.
Do LeafGuard gutters prevent ice dams?
Gutter guards and covers come in a variety of styles, from mesh screens that filter out debris to solid gutter guards that slope over the top of the gutter trough. The idea is to prevent leaves, twigs, seeds, and other junk from getting inside your gutters and causing clogs. LeafGuard rain gutters are a seamless, one-piece gutter system with a curved hood that deflects debris while allowing water to flow freely into the gutter itself.
This same curved built in hood prevents ice from accumulating inside or on top of the gutters. This way, water can flow as it should and be directed away from the home. Different gutter guards behave differently with melting ice, and many factors can affect the buildup of ice dams.
Learn more about the benefits of seamless gutters
Professional LeafGuard gutter installation for ice dam prevention
If you’re not sure what the source of your ice damming problem is, contact us. Our professional and certified gutter installers can inspect your home while offering an expert opinion when it comes to solutions for eliminating ice damming for the long term. Additionally, we’ll happily provide you with a complimentary estimate if you need a replacement gutter system like LeafGuard brand gutters.