Regardless of the month, Colorado sees many types of weather conditions. Colorado is known for having harsh winters that bring heavy snowstorms and precipitation, but we experience more than just winter weather. Springtime brings fluctuating temperatures while summer and early fall bring hot, dry weather.
Colorado is home and we wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else in the world, however, we do experience some harsh weather conditions. Some of these weather conditions threaten your home and especially your gutters. Keep reading to learn about Colorado weather conditions that threaten your gutters and how you can keep them in the best possible shape year-round.
Hail
Hailstones form from thunderstorm clouds where they freeze and drop heavily to the ground when the clouds can no longer support their weight. These hard, round frozen balls of water can wreak havoc on your roof, cars, landscaping, and even your gutter system. According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, Colorado is one of the top 4 states that has the most hail, so Colorado homeowners need to make sure their gutter systems can hold up against this weather condition.
When hailstones collide with traditional aluminum gutter systems and vinyl gutter systems, they can cause significant damage. Not only can the gutter system get dents from hail but it could cause paint to chip and seams to split, resulting in costly repairs. Hail is most common during thunderstorm season, usually from May through September, but they can drop from thunderstorm clouds any time of year.
Ice
Ice can cause many issues to your home, especially your gutters. Ice can form in and around your gutters in different ways, mostly from snow and water melting and freezing. While ice storms are a rare sighting here in Colorado, they do occur. The potential for ice during the winter months is very high as is the risk for it to cause damage to your gutter system. Ice can come in many forms like icicles, ice dams, and ice storms to name a few.
One of the worst winter weather culprits that cause damage to your home’s gutter system is ice dams. Ice dams are thick pieces of ice that co
llect around the edges of sloped roofs as a result of meltwater constantly melting and refreezing. While they’re a nuisance to deal with, dealing with and preventing ice dams is possible.
How well your gutter system holds up to ice depends on the material the gutter is constructed of. If your gutter system is made from traditional aluminum or vinyl, you can expect your gutters to see quite a bit of damage from ice each winter. As a result, your gutters will need to be replaced more frequently than most other gutter systems. Why? When a gutter system is constructed of traditional aluminum or vinyl, the material isn’t s
trong enough to support the weight of the ice. Gutters that are too weak to support heavy ice could result in sagging, tearing, and even the potential for leaks and mold in your home’s interior.
Rainfall
We don’t get nearly as much rainfall as we do snow here in Colorado, but we can get heavy downpours. When heavy rainfall does occur, it can cause some damage to your gutter system if it’s not equipped to handle heavy amounts of rainfall.
If a gutter system is only equipped to handle a few inches of rain per hour then the excess water draining from your roof will have no choice but to spill over the gutter system, resulting in flooding and the potential for water to settle around your home’s foundation. Also, if your gutter system is clogged with debris like leaves, twigs, and silt, then the gutters and downspouts will have a hard time collecting and draining water away. The result? Possible foundation damage, basement flooding, damaged fascia boards, and ruined landscaping to name a few.
Snow
Most everyone thinks of snow when they think of Colorado. While most locals love the snow and the activities you can enjoy like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, snow does bring some dangers. Not only does heavy snow cause slick roads and flight cancellations, but it can cause damage to your home including your roof, siding, fascia, and gutter system.
Snow is heavy and when it’s left to accumulate inside of your gutter system it can cause all sorts of issues if your system isn’t durable enough to handle heavy snow. With how often we experience snowstorms, our gutters accumulate quite a bit and the weight can get very heavy. Traditional aluminum gutters and vinyl
gutter systems aren’t as durable as stainless steel, copper, and gutter systems constructed of heavy-duty aluminum.
Hail, ice, rainfall, and snow are the types of weather conditions here in Colorado that can have a major impact on your gutter system if it’s not constructed of durable material. Knowing about the dangers these weather conditions can pose to your gutter system, are you ready to install the most advanced leaf-free gutter system on the market?
Hot Sun
Exposure to direct sunlight helps your gutters and drainage system dry quickly following rain or snow. Yet, extended exposure can negatively impact these structures. UV rays, for instance, can shorten the lifespan of your gutters, leading to increased expenditure on repairs and replacements.
Additionally, frequent fluctuations in temperature can stress the materials, resulting in thermal shock. It’s crucial to position your gutters thoughtfully to shield them from intense sun exposure. Moreover, it’s important to monitor for wear and tear, addressing any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
Wind
Windstorms, particularly when combined with rain, can cause improperly secured gutters to become detached or deformed. Furthermore, these storms can displace particles from roofing shingles, which may then accumulate in your gutter system, leading to blockages and water overflow.
Even lighter winds can carry dust and leaves into your drainage system. Over time, this debris can build up and clog the downspout. After experiencing a windstorm, it’s advisable to inspect your gutters to ensure they are still securely attached, reducing the risk of water damage. Additionally, it’s wise to seek a professional for roof and gutter cleaning to prevent the gutters from overflowing.
Contact K-Guard to Protect Your Home
The K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System is the most effective and the most durable. Our gutter product is constructed of heavy-duty aluminum that can handle a minimum of 23 inches of rain per hour, perfect for the high precipitation totals we get here in Colorado. Our gutter system is also mounted above the floodplain which eliminates the potential for gutters to separate from your home’s soffit and fascia boards. Our gutter system is so durable that we back it with three-lifetime warranties.
Ready to install your seamless, leaf-free gutter system? Schedule a free in-home estimate today. We proudly install the K-Guard Gutter System across the state of Colorado including, but not limited to, the following locations: Denver, Colorado Springs, Littleton, Centennial, Aurora, Boulder, and Fort Collins.
