Gutter Coil

5" Gutter Coil

Avoiding Ice Dams

If you have poor insulation in your attic and live in a cold climate, your roof is likely to develop an ice dam. Without proper insulation, the heat inside rises, melting the snow and ice on your roof, and then refreezing it on the edge. Heavy ice buildup from winter storms can sometimes cause the gutters to completely break off a home. Adding proper ventilation and insulation in your attic can help. Heat tapes or ice and water shield are also effective. Note: Caution should be used with heat tape on gutters, as downspouts could split if they don’t also have heat tape applied

The trouble inside.

The moisture that results from water repeatedly collecting around your foundation will eventually find its way into your basement, crawl space or concrete floor. Though the air in your home may naturally absorb some of the moisture, the excess moisture-heavy air can settle against cold surfaces like windows, attic plywood and inside exterior walls. And while condensation at windows may seem nothing more than a mere irritation, if left unattended it can cause fungal wood rot in attics and walls, leading to costly repairs

The trouble outside.

Water that runs off the roof and lands near the edge of your foundation causes a variety of problems. Erosion, for starters. And the repeated soaking and drying will cause your foundation to compress and compact; over time, potentially damaging your foundation Repeated soaking from runoff can also carry your topsoil down through any limestone draining material laid during construction, washing away your topsoil and clogging the drainage material and leading to more backups.

If you live in an area of the country with freezing weather, frequent rainstorms, many trees or other special conditions, there are factors to consider when choosing and installing your gutter system. Here’s what you need to keep top of mind.

Ice and water shield

(also helpful in rainy climates)

If you are building a new home or getting a new roof, ask your roofing contractor if he is using ice and water shield, typically a sticky tarpaper that goes under first few layers of shingles. It’s very important to include in freezing climates to minimize any negative effect of ice buildup at the roof’s edge as the sun melts the ice. In warmer rainy climates, ice and water shield will ensure that there is no leakage when the wind holds water against the edge of your roof for a prolonged period of time during a storm.

Drip edge

The drip edge is a sheet of metal material that fits under the shingles and guides water away from the roofing material, protecting the wood in your roof from getting soaked when it rains, or from a backup of ice. While a roofer usually installs it, soffit and fascia installers may also add drip edge. Unfortunately, builders looking to save money on construction and materials sometimes skip this important step. If you’re building a home or replacing your roof, make sure your contractor is adding drip edge!

Tri City Builders services the following areas:

Wayne, Westland, Inkster, Romulus, Taylor, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Trenton, Canton, Livonia, Plymouth, Southgate, Melvindale, New Boston, Riverview,  Flat Rock, Willis, Redford Twp, Belleville, Garden City, Novi, Northville, Salem, Farmington,  Farmington Hills,  Wil Carlton, Sumter twp , Rockwood, Superior twp, Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, South Lyon, Plymouth, Wixom, Augusta twp, Highland Twp, Milford, White lake

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