Gutter Guards & Ice Dams: What Homeowners Need to Know

Gutter guards might not be the most glamorous home improvement project, but for homeowners living in colder climates, gutter guards could mean the difference between a safe and damage-free winter versus costly repairs due to water damage. Ice dams are a common issue that occur when heat from the house melts built-up snow on roofs and then refreezes at the edge of gutters caused by cold temperatures outside. Water is unable to get away properly because it’s blocked with ice and eventually can back up leading to serious problems such as leaking roofs, damaged ceilings, walls, and floors – not exactly what we want in our homes! Investing in waterproof gutter guard systems is an effective way to prevent these issues before they begin.

In the greater Raleigh area, we are lucky to have mild winters, but ice dams can still happen. In this blog post let’s take a look at the many benefits of installing gutter guards on your home.

Ready to get started with gutter guards in Raleigh? Contact Peak Performance Gutter Protection today.

What are Gutter Guards & How Do They Help Homeowners

Gutter guards are protective covers for your home’s gutter system designed to keep out debris such as leaves, twigs, and pine needles. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are typically easy to install on existing gutters. Properly installed gutter guards can help prevent clogs from forming in the gutter system, allowing water to flow freely and reducing the need for frequent cleaning.

Gutter guards come in a variety of materials including metal, plastic, and foam. Metal guards are usually made from aluminum or stainless steel and have the benefit of being more durable than the other types. Plastic models are often less expensive but may not be as strong as metal versions. Foam models can help reduce noise from rainwater landing on them while also providing some insulation benefits during colder months.

Gutter guards provide several benefits for homeowners including protection against clogs that might otherwise cause damage over time; they are also easier to clean since most of the debris is kept out, instead of having to be removed manually with a scoop or ladder. In addition, gutter guards can help protect the foundation of your home by preventing water from pooling around it due to clogged gutters. Installing quality gutter guards will ensure that your gutters stay free-flowing year-round.

Causes of Ice Dams & How to Prevent Them

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining properly. Ice dams can cause serious damage to a building’s structure, as standing water can penetrate the walls, ceilings, and insulation. While Raleigh typically doesn’t have weather cold enough to contribute to ice dams, it can happen, and it’s important for local homeowners to know what to do to prevent them.

The main cause of ice dams is inadequate insulation and ventilation in the attic. When heat rises from the living space below, it causes snow on the roof to melt while leaving the edges frozen due to lack of sufficient air flow. The melted snow then pools up against higher rows of snow or ice, preventing it from draining off the roof.

The best way to prevent ice dams is by making sure your attic has adequate insulation and ventilation. Additional attic insulation will help keep warm air from rising up into the attic, reducing heat loss through your roof and preventing snow from melting too quickly. Installing air vents along with proper attic ventilation will help draw out excess moisture and warm air so that cold air can circulate throughout the space more efficiently. Additionally, removing snow from your roof before it has a chance to accumulate can also help reduce the risk of ice dam formation.

Gutter guards are another effective way to help prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. By keeping out debris such as leaves, pine needles, and twigs, gutter guards can ensure that water is able to drain freely without obstruction. Additionally, the insulation provided by some gutter guard materials can make it harder for snow near the edges of the roof to melt too quickly due to heat loss. As a result, proper installation of gutter guards can play a key role in reducing the risk of ice dam formation and associated damages.

Maintenance Tips For Keeping Gutter Guards In Good Condition

Gutter guards are largely maintenance-free, but there are some things you can do to prevent ice buildup and keep your gutter guards in great condition, including:

• Regularly clean the surface of the gutter guard material to free it from any leaves, twigs and other debris.
• Inspect the protective membrane or netting for any tears or punctures, and replace if needed.
• Clear out any accumulated dirt from around the edges and corners of the gutter guard.
• Check for proper drainage by pouring water onto it to ensure that it flows without interruption through the guard and into the gutters.
• Replace missing or damaged fasteners or sealants as needed.

Peak Performance: Your Raleigh Gutter Guard Experts!

At Peak Performance Gutter Protection of Raleigh, we are proud to offer high-quality gutter guards, professionally certified installers, and excellent customer service. Our top-notch gutter guard installation is quick and easy for almost any home, with no need for special tools or equipment. We can also work with you for professional gutter cleaning, gutter whitening, and more. With Peak Performance, you can rest easy knowing your home is protected against ice dams, excessive rain, debris, and more.