What To Do About Frozen Gutters in Ottawa: A Winter Maintenance Guide

Ottawa winters can be harsh, with heavy snowfalls, freezing temperatures, and icy conditions. While this beautiful winter wonderland is enjoyable, it can cause significant issues for your home, particularly when it comes to your gutters. Frozen gutters are a common problem in Ottawa during the winter months and can lead to various problems, such as water damage, ice dams, and even damage to your roof. In this blog, we’ll discuss what you can do about frozen gutters in Ottawa and how you can prevent future issues.

Why Do Gutters Freeze in Ottawa?

Ottawa is known for its frigid winters, and the combination of snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures makes it a perfect storm for frozen gutters. Understanding why gutters freeze can help you prevent and address the issue effectively.

How Frozen Gutters Happen:

1. Snow and Ice Accumulation: When snow falls on your roof, it can melt due to the warmth escaping from your attic or roof. This water trickles down your roof and into your gutters. If the temperature is low enough, the water freezes, creating a solid block of ice in your gutters.
2. Clogged Gutters: When your gutters are clogged with leaves, debris, or even ice from previous storms, water can’t flow freely. This causes water to pool in the gutters, which may freeze and exacerbate the problem.
3. Fluctuating Temperatures: In Ottawa, it’s common for the temperature to swing from below freezing during the day to slightly above freezing at night. This cycle can cause water to melt and refreeze repeatedly, which puts extra stress on your gutters and increases the chances of freezing.

When gutters freeze, they can’t do their job of directing water away from your roof, walls, and foundation, potentially leading to serious damage.

What Happens if Your Gutters Freeze?

Frozen gutters aren’t just an inconvenience; they can lead to various issues that could affect the structural integrity of your home. These are some of the problems that can occur when gutters freeze:

• Ice Dams: The most common problem caused by frozen gutters is the formation of ice dams. When ice builds up in the gutters and prevents proper water drainage, it can cause water to back up onto your roof. This water can seep under shingles, leading to leaks, water damage, and even mold growth inside your home.
• Roof Damage: Frozen water in your gutters can place unnecessary weight and stress on your roof. Over time, this can cause shingles to become dislodged, leading to roof leaks and more severe roof damage.
• Gutter Damage: The ice buildup can cause your gutters to sag, crack, or even pull away from your home. Once gutters are damaged, they won’t be able to direct water properly, leading to further water damage on your roof and foundation.
• Foundation Issues: If water overflows from frozen gutters, it can pool around the foundation of your home. This can lead to cracks in the foundation, basement flooding, and other significant structural problems.

What To Do About Frozen Gutters in Ottawa

If you find that your gutters have frozen over, it’s important to act quickly. Here are a few steps you can take to address and prevent frozen gutters in Ottawa.

1. Clear the Gutters of Ice and Snow

If your gutters are already frozen, the first step is to remove the ice buildup. You can do this by using one of the following methods:

• Use a Roof Rake: Carefully use a roof rake to remove snow from your roof. Start from the edge of the roof and work your way upward, being careful not to damage your shingles.
• Gutter Scoop or Tongs: For smaller amounts of ice, you can use a gutter scoop or tongs to break up the ice manually. This method is effective but time-consuming.
• Salt or Calcium Chloride: To melt the ice, you can fill a fabric sock or pantyhose with calcium chloride or rock salt, and place it in the gutter. The salt will help to melt the ice without causing damage to your gutters. Avoid using large amounts of salt, as it could harm your plants or cause corrosion to the gutters.
• Heated Cable: If you have a significant amount of ice buildup, using a roof de-icing cable can help. These cables are designed to be installed along the roofline and in the gutters to melt ice and prevent it from refreezing.

Remember, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable with using these methods, it’s always best to contact a professional to remove the ice safely.

2. Ensure Proper Gutter Flow

Once you’ve cleared the ice, it’s important to check that water will flow freely through your gutters in the future. Here’s what to do:

• Clear Debris: Ensure that your gutters are free from leaves, twigs, or other debris that could obstruct the flow of water.
• Check Downspouts: Make sure your downspouts are clear of any debris or ice. Water can’t flow properly through the gutters if the downspouts are blocked.
• Check for Proper Slope: Gutters should be slightly sloped toward the downspouts to ensure proper drainage. If the slope has shifted or is uneven, you may need to adjust your gutters to improve water flow.

3. Install Gutter Guards

To prevent ice and debris from accumulating in your gutters in the future, consider installing gutter guards. These mesh screens prevent leaves and twigs from clogging your gutters, allowing water to flow freely even in the winter. Gutter guards also reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning, making maintenance easier during the colder months.

4. Improve Attic Insulation and Ventilation

One of the main causes of ice dams is heat escaping from your attic. If your attic isn’t well-insulated, warm air can rise and melt the snow on your roof, causing it to refreeze in the gutters. To prevent this:

• Insulate Your Attic: Make sure your attic is properly insulated to prevent heat from escaping into your roof.
• Ventilate Your Attic: Good attic ventilation allows for cold air to circulate, preventing the snow from melting too quickly. Installing roof vents or soffit vents can help regulate attic temperatures and prevent ice dam formation.

5. Schedule Regular Roof and Gutter Inspections

Preventing frozen gutters in Ottawa starts with regular maintenance. Schedule annual roof and gutter inspections to ensure your gutters are in good condition before the winter season. A professional roofing service, like Acres Roofing, can spot potential issues, clean your gutters, and make any necessary repairs before winter weather sets in.

How Acres Roofing Can Help

Frozen gutters can cause serious problems, but the good news is that you don’t have to deal with them alone. Acres Roofing offers comprehensive roofing and gutter maintenance services, including gutter cleaning, de-icing, and roof inspections. Our team of experts can ensure that your gutters are properly maintained and your roof is ready for the Ottawa winter. If you’re dealing with frozen gutters or want to prevent future ice dams, give us a call today for a professional consultation.

Final Thoughts

Frozen gutters are a common issue in Ottawa, but with the right preventative measures, you can protect your home from damage. By maintaining clean gutters, improving attic insulation, and taking steps to prevent ice dams, you’ll ensure that your home is well-protected during the cold winter months. And if you need professional assistance, Acres Roofing is always here to help. Stay safe and prepared this winter, and let us help you winterize your home!