As temperatures drop across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, homeowners start to notice a familiar problem: frozen gutters. When water can’t drain properly, it collects, freezes, and expands, leading to sagging gutters, ice dams, leaks, and even roof damage. The good news? With the right care, you can protect your gutter system before winter weather sets in.
Here are practical steps to keep your gutters flowing freely during the colder months.
1. Clean Out Leaves, Moss & Debris
Clogged gutters are the number-one cause of winter freezing and ice dams. When water can’t move through the system, it sits in your gutters — and standing water will freeze quickly in cold weather.
What to do:
Remove leaves, roof granules, and moss from your gutters and downspouts
Check joints and corners, where buildup is the most common
Schedule a professional gutter cleaning if your roof is steep or hard to access
Tip: Consider installing gutter protection to prevent future buildup.
2. Check That Water Is Draining Properly
Even clean gutters can freeze if water is not draining efficiently.
Make sure:
Downspouts are clear and discharging well away from the foundation
Extensions or splash blocks are directed downhill
There is no sagging or standing water in any section of the gutter run
If your gutters aren’t sloped correctly (a common issue in older homes), water will sit and turn to ice. A professional can re-pitch your gutters to restore proper flow.
3. Install Gutter Guards or Helmets
Gutter guards help reduce clogs from leaves, pine needles, and debris, keeping water moving during winter weather. They also reduce the need for mid-season cleaning.
At Weatherguard Gutters, we offer multiple gutter protection solutions, custom-fit for your home. These systems are especially valuable in heavily treed neighborhoods.
4. Ensure Your Attic and Roof Are Properly Insulated
This is a step many homeowners overlook. Warm air escaping from your home can heat the roof, melt snow, and send runoff into your gutters. When it reaches the colder edges of the roofline, that water refreezes — forming ice dams.
Proper insulation prevents this cycle.
It keeps your roof cold, reduces melting, and minimizes ice buildup.
5. Consider a Heated Cable System
For homes in high-snowfall or high-freeze zones, heated cable systems can be installed along roof edges and gutters. These systems gently warm the gutter channel and prevent ice accumulation.
They’re especially useful for:
North-facing rooflines
Cabins and chalets
Older homes with complex roof structures
6. Schedule a Winter Gutter Inspection
A professional inspection ensures:
Your gutters are securely fastened (important when ice weight increases)
All joints are sealed
Downspouts are functioning
Your system is winter-ready
Catching small issues early is one of the best ways to avoid emergency repairs later.
Preventing Frozen Gutters Protects More Than Just Your Roof
Proactive winter gutter maintenance helps:
Prevent leaks into your home
Protect your foundation
Reduce roof repair costs
Extend the lifespan of your gutter system
Need Help Winter-Proofing Your Gutters?
At Weatherguard Gutters, we specialize in gutter cleaning, repair, replacement, and protection systems designed for West Coast weather.
Book your winter gutter service today!
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