The gutter system on your home is meant to help protect your investment no matter the season. For gutters to effectively work, you should address a few key points. Now that winter has officially arrived, we can expect wicked weather and colder temps. But don’t worry; we can help you avoid frozen gutters with these ideas.

Keep Them Clear

If the channels are clogged, gutters cannot guide rainwater and melting ice away from your home.

Clean gutters at least twice a year and especially after all the trees have shed their leaves in the fall. When the weather changes, remove any icicles from the edge of the roof to prevent those from dropping off and collecting or freezing inside the gutters.

Check the Pitch

Gutters should be sloped a bit to ensure they properly keep water moving down and away from your home and its foundation. Check to make sure your system slopes at least one-quarter inch for every 10 feet of gutter.

Melt Away Ice

Ice that builds up in your gutters can create dams, which can allow melting snow and ice to seep into your home. Melt away any ice and avoid potentially costly damage to your roof and your home.

Try installing heated cables. Most often these cables clip to the shingles and lay in a zig-zag pattern at the edge of the roof, just over the gutter system. They gently warm any snow or ice and prevent it from building up in the gutters.

You can also sprinkle roof melt or sodium chloride to help prevent snow and ice accumulation. Be careful to avoid using rock salt, which is corrosive and may damage your gutters and your yard.

Rake the Roof

Keep the edge of your roof clear of snow so that it doesn’t fall into the gutter system. Use a roof rake and gently remove excess snow from the fringe of the roofline. This will help protect your gutters and decrease the burden of weight on your roof.

Check Insulation

Poke your head into the attic and check to see if your roof is properly insulated. Adequate insulation will keep the shingles cool and prevent melting snow from collecting and freezing in the gutters.

Ice and snow can collect in your gutter system during winter months and cause all kinds of issues. If gutters are frozen, they cannot properly function and protect your home. Furthermore, added weight inside the gutters can cause them to become overwhelmed and buckle, become loose, or break away completely. These ideas can help you avoid frozen gutters and keep your home safe and sound. If you do notice issues with your gutters, the Twin Cities home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless can help. We can answer your questions and even discuss with you how the additional benefits of a LEAFAWAY® gutter protection system. Contact us today.

The weather outside isn’t exactly frightful just yet. You can still decorate your home’s exterior for the holidays without the fear of Jack Frost nipping at your extremities. From twinkling lights to festive wreaths, here are some ideas to help protect yourself and your home while you safely deck the halls.

Lights

Before you add the shimmering flair of holiday lights, make sure any strings and cords are free from defects. Discard if you find any fraying or other damage that could cause electrical issues. Additionally, check that any lights or extension cords are labeled for outdoor use.

Mounting outdoor lights can be tricky but doesn’t have to be. You want to make sure the lights are well supported without causing damage to the protective insulation around the strand or to your home’s exterior.

If possible, avoid attaching lights with nails, staples, or screws. These fastening tools can damage your siding or fascia and can be especially harmful to shingles. Holes in shingles present entry points for moisture, which can present issues with mold and the roof’s structural integrity.

Instead, try using plastic clips to secure the strands to your home. Available in a variety of styles, these holders slip onto the gutters, shingles, or eaves and hold the lights in place without worry of damage to the siding or roof.

Ladders

The best way to hang lights is by using a ladder but be sure to do so safely. Watch for and avoid overhead power lines. Also, make sure the rungs are clean and dry, and wear nonslip shoes. Keep from standing on your toes. Both feet should be flat on the rungs to help maintain your balance.

The ladder should stretch about three feet beyond your roof, so that you’re not overreaching when attaching the lights. Take note of the warning labels and refrain from standing higher than the second rung from the top.

If you’re using an extension ladder, remember to set the base of the ladder out one foot for every four feet of distance from the ground to the roof or other contact point. With an extension ladder, keep from climbing past the fourth rung from the top.

Wreaths

A wreath can add a festive touch to your home’s entrance. Easily hang one without damaging the front door by using:

• A self-adhesive hook. Multi-purpose mounting tools like Command™ Brand strips can be affixed and removed with ease.
• A wreath hanger. One of those fancy (or plain) over-the-door hangers allows for perfect wreath placement without the need for a hammer and nail.
• A clear hook. If you want your holiday wreath to hang distraction-free, try a clear adhesive or suction cup hook.
• A ribbon. Loop any ribbon of your choice through the back of the wreath form. Then suspend the wreath at the desired length and attach the ribbon to the top of the door frame with thumb tacks.

However you choose to decorate this season, remember to have fun and protect yourself and your home while you safely deck the halls. If you notice any issues with your home’s siding or roofing, your Twin Cities home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless are here to help. Contact us with any questions or concerns.