Is your home ready for the coming snow?
As the seasons change in Calgary, we see a spike in questions from homeowners asking: “Why are my gutters pulling away from the house?”, “My gutters are leaking”, and so on.
While we often talk about cleaning leaves out of your eavestroughs, there is a structural side to gutter maintenance that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. The truth is, clean gutters are useless if they are sagging, leaking, or detaching from your home.
With the heavy snowfall and rapid freeze-thaw cycles typical of our unpredictable weather, your gutter system is about to undergo a massive stress test. Here is why structural repairs are just as vital as cleaning, and how to spot the red flags before the deep freeze sets in.
The Winter Stress Test: It’s Not Just About Water
In the spring and summer, your gutters just need to handle water. But in a Calgary winter, they have to handle weight.
When wet snow accumulates and freezes, it becomes incredibly heavy. If your gutters have loose spikes, worn-out brackets, or compromised seams, that added weight can be the final straw. A gutter that is slightly pulling away in November can completely collapse by January, taking pieces of your soffit and fascia with it.
The Red Flags: What to Look For
You don’t always need a ladder to spot a problem. Walk around the perimeter of your home and look for these three signs that your gutters need professional repair:
1. The “Gap” (Pulling Away)
Look up at the roofline. Can you see a small gap between the back of the gutter and the board it is attached to (the fascia)? If you can see daylight or if the nails look like they are backing out, your gutters are insecure. Water will run behind the gutter, rotting the wood and causing ice to form against your siding.
2. The “Smile” (Sagging)
Gutters need to have a specific slope to drain water toward the downspouts. If you see a section that looks like it is drooping or “smiling” in the middle, water will pool there and freeze into a solid block of ice. This adds unnecessary weight and contributes to ice damming.
3. The “Icicle Factory” (Leaking Seams)
If you noticed dripping from the corners of your gutters during the last rain, those seals have failed. In winter, these leaks turn into large, dangerous icicles that can damage your walkway or foundation below.
The Solution: Restore, Don’t Just Replace
Many homeowners assume that if a gutter is leaking or sagging, the whole system needs to be torn down and replaced. That isn’t always the case.
At A Touch Of Glass Inc., we specialize in professional gutter repair. We can often restore your existing system to optimal performance without the price tag of a full replacement. Our repair services include:
- Rehanging and Re-sloping: We secure the gutters back to the fascia and adjust the angle to ensure proper drainage.
- Sealing Leaks: We fix rusted areas and reseal corners and seams to stop drips.
- Downspout Extensions: We ensure water (and melting snow) is directed far away from your foundation to prevent basement flooding.
The “Invisible” Damage and The Video Advantage
Sometimes, the damage isn’t visible from the ground. That is why we believe in total transparency.
When you hire us, we perform a comprehensive multi-point inspection. We don’t just fix the problem; we show you the problem. We provide detailed before-and-after video reports so you can see exactly what was broken, how we fixed it, and have peace of mind knowing your home is secure. It’s this level of communication that has earned us over 1,000 happy customers across Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere, and Okotoks.
Leave the Ladder in the Garage
Trying to re-nail a gutter while standing on an icy driveway is a recipe for disaster. Gutter repair requires specific tools, high-quality sealants, and safety expertise.
Since 2008, the team at A Touch Of Glass has repaired thousands of gutter systems. We have seen it all, from loose spikes to rotted fascia, and we have the solutions to keep your home safe year-round.
Don’t wait for the first heavy snow to pull your gutters down. If you suspect your eavestroughs need a tune-up, let us take a look.
GET STARTED TODAY!
Book Your Free Estimate Today
Your home deserves expert care, and we’re here to help. Contact Touch Of Glass for a free, no-pressure estimate and let’s find the right solution for your exterior cleaning and repair needs.