Don’t Let Houston’s Next Big Freeze Catch Your Gutters Unprepared

While Houston enjoys mild winters compared to most of the United States, the city’s rare but devastating freeze events can wreak havoc on unprepared gutter systems. The February 2021 Valentine’s Week winter outbreak brought record-breaking cold temperatures, with Houston dropping to 13°F – making it the coldest winter storm for Texas since December 1989. This historic freeze caused between $80 to $130 billion in financial losses, widespread power outages, and extensive property damage.

Understanding Houston’s Unique Winter Challenges

Houston’s average January high temperature is 62.9°F with lows of 43.2°F, and the city typically sees only 9.6 days per year of freezing temperatures. Sleet and freezing rain are more common than snow in the Houston area, with accumulating snow events being rare, though brief snow flurries occur every winter. However, when extreme cold events do occur, they can be particularly damaging because homes and infrastructure aren’t designed for prolonged freezing conditions.

Being close to the Gulf Coast, Houston averages just 10 days each year with temperatures at or below freezing, while San Antonio averages about 14 such days. This infrequency makes preparation even more critical, as homeowners may not be accustomed to protecting their gutter systems from ice formation.

The Critical Importance of Pre-Winter Gutter Cleaning

Fall gutter cleaning is essential because standing water in a gutter section will freeze far more easily when debris like leaves, twigs, and other materials prevent proper drainage. When leaves, sticks, pine needles, or acorns block gutters, snowmelt may re-freeze into solid ice, which is what leads to frozen gutters.

For Houston homeowners, professional gutter cleaning houston services become particularly valuable before winter weather arrives. A fall gutter cleaning is essential to keep gutters from clogging once snow begins to fall. Late fall is an ideal time – after leaf drop but before sustained cold – to have gutters inspected, cleaned, and tuned up for winter.

The Dangers of Frozen Gutters

When gutters freeze, the consequences can be severe and costly. Water expands when it freezes, so it can push open the seams of sectional gutters and create other cracks. Ice and snow are heavy, and excess weight can cause gutters to sag, gutter brackets to give in, and the whole gutter system to collapse.

Gutter hangers may come loose due to the weight of ice dams and icicles. Hanging gutters may eventually break and fall off, damaging the fascia board in the process. Falling gutters have been known to damage windows and cars. Additionally, water from frozen gutters and downspouts can leak into the home, causing damage to ceilings, walls, insulation, rugs, carpets, or furniture.

Ice Dam Formation and Prevention

One of the major risks of frozen gutters is the formation of ice dams, which occur when ice in gutters prevents melting snow from draining off the roof, causing it to back up and seep under shingles and into the home. Heat escaping from a poorly insulated attic melts snow on the roof, which then refreezes in the gutters, creating ice dams.

Prevention strategies include proper attic insulation and ventilation. Properly insulating and ventilating the home, particularly the attic, can effectively prevent ice dams on roofs and in gutters. Warm temperatures beneath the roof help snow and ice melt and run off instead of refreezing into solid ice blocks.

Armstrong Gutters: Houston’s Trusted Winter Preparation Partner

Arm Strong Gutters & Sheet Metal is Harris County’s trusted provider for residential and commercial gutter solutions, with local knowledge and familiarity with the deep needs of Harris County homes. The company serves all of Harris County, TX, including Houston, Pasadena, Tomball, Cypress, Spring, and surrounding communities.

Using premium materials like aluminum, copper, and galvalume, Armstrong’s expert craftsmanship ensures long-lasting performance and enhances property curb appeal. From seamless gutter installation to durable repairs, they’re dedicated to protecting properties. Their local knowledge helps them understand Harris County’s specific weather challenges and provide protection from the region’s weather conditions.

Proactive Winter Gutter Maintenance Tips

Armstrong Gutters recommends cleaning gutters at least twice a year – in spring and fall – to prevent clogs and water damage. For Houston homeowners preparing for potential freeze events, additional steps include:

• Cleaning gutters of debris each fall and clearing piled snow away from downspout exits
• Ensuring downspout outlets are clear of snow/ice and aren’t buried, as this can cause water to back up and freeze
• Assessing and adjusting gutter slope if needed before cold weather sets in to avoid iced gutters caused by poor drainage
• Installing gutter screens and leaf guards to help reduce debris buildup and minimize maintenance

Emergency Thawing and Professional Solutions

If gutters do freeze, homeowners can pour boiling water on the exterior of downspouts where blockages have formed, or wrap downspouts with heat tape to thaw ice and prevent future freezes. However, climbing ladders in winter while carrying boiling water or tools is a safety risk, and professionals know safe removal methods that won’t harm your home.

For long-term solutions, heating cables can be installed in gutters to stop them from freezing in winter, which is a good option for homeowners in areas that see consistently long, snowy, and icy winters.

Preparing for the Unexpected

While Houston’s freezes are rare, they can be severe when they occur. Recent reports indicate a “greater than average” chance of extreme cold events, with Houston hitting 21° or colder in 2024, 2022, 2021, 2018, and 2017 – a notably busy stretch. Even though the region may not see the kind of deep snowfall some northern states experience, cold snaps, overnight freezes, and frosty conditions still occur.

Don’t wait for the next historic freeze to discover your gutters aren’t ready. Contact Armstrong Gutters today for a comprehensive gutter inspection and cleaning service that will help protect your Houston home from winter weather damage. Schedule your free consultation and let their experts find the perfect solution for your property’s winter protection needs.