Get matched with top gutter cleaning pros in Dimondale, MI

Buried downspouts can freeze during cold weather as cold water runs through them. If you’ve discovered your downspouts are frozen, you can carefully pour hot water down the top of the downspout to defrost them. If that doesn’t work, you may need to dig your downspout back up. Avoid trying to break the ice from the exterior using a hammer as this can cause cracks and damage to your downspout.

To avoid freezing the future, consider adding a heating cable to the exterior, which can adjust heat based on the surrounding temperature.

Failing to clean your gutters can lead to serious and costly damage. When leaves and other debris cause blockages, water cannot drain properly and will overflow. This can lead to water pooling around your home’s foundation, causing basement flooding and structural damage. The overflow can also damage your roof, siding, and fascia boards, with the constant moisture promoting mold, mildew, and rot. The weight of wet debris can cause gutters to sag or break, while stagnant water creates a breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes and rodents. Additionally, runoff can damage landscaping or freeze on driveways and patios, causing cracks. To prevent these issues, it is recommended to clean your gutters at least once or twice a year.

Icicles don't necessarily mean your gutters are clogged or bad, but they can indicate an underlying issue. While clogged gutters can cause icicles to form, the problem could also be an ice dam on your roof from poor insulation. In that case, melting snow can refreeze in the gutter even without a clog. Regardless of the cause, the weight of the ice can damage your gutters or even rip them completely off the house. If you are unsure of the underlying problem, it's best to call a roofing company to assess the issue and implement a permanent solution.

No—gutters should be designed and properly installed so they are ready to handle any level of rainflow from your roof. If you notice pooling water around your gutters or on the roof, it’s imperative that you contact a gutter repair pro near you—the slope of your gutters could be off and need adjusting.