How do I protect rain gutters from ice damage?

[plowhog]

I have a metal building with deep gutters-- I think they are 8" deep. They span 60 feet of building with a downspout on each side. Last winter, ice tore the gutters up so badly they need removal and complete replacement. I am replacing them now.

Also, I have a downspout on a corner of my residence from a typical residential rain gutter. But, this downspout is always in the shade, so it ices up and becomes a hazard with a small "skating rink" beneath it.

Is electric heat tape a good option to prevent ice damage? I could envision wrapping some heat tape around a small downspout, seems pretty easy. But how would you install or use it to protect along 60 feet of large size deep gutter?

Need some ideas .... thanks!

 

[Peter 315]

Frost King 200 ft. Roof Cable Kit RC200 - The Home DepotYou need roof de-icing cables you run them in the gutter then down the down spout then back up let them hang out a foot or two at the bottom.....

 

[plowhog]

Thanks, I am looking at those. It looks like in the picture you wind them around on the top edge of the roof in addition to being inside the gutter?

 

[Peter 315]

Thanks, I am looking at those. It looks like in the picture you wind them around on the top edge of the roof in addition to being inside the gutter?

You can to prevent ice dams.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I have ice guard on my barn roof

 

[Dwellonroof]

I would install snow guards or snow bars. The idea is to keep the ice and snow on the roof so it gradually melts.

 

[plowhog]

Thanks. Any recommendation on how far apart to install them? I looked at these but there are no instructions ...

Hunter Green Commercial Bulk Pack Snow Guards, Perfect Seal Gaskets and Screw (50-Quantity) APMINI_HG_50 - The Home Depot

Stop snow and ice from sliding off your metal roof. Revolutionary to the industry, the Mini Snow Guard with Perfect Seal Gasket installs quick and easy. The Mini's dynamic design keeps snow and ice in

www.homedepot.com

 

[LouNY]

In my mind and experience one of the good things about a metal roof was the ability to shed snow and lighten the roof loading.
I have no desire to have slide stops on a metal roof.

 

[jyoutz]

In my mind and experience one of the good things about a metal roof was the ability to shed snow and lighten the roof loading.
I have no desire to have slide stops on a metal roof.

The roofing company put slide stops above the doors on my house when they installed the steel roof. Placing them strategically is important.

 

[bigtiller]

In my mind and experience one of the good things about a metal roof was the ability to shed snow and lighten the roof loading.
I have no desire to have slide stops on a metal roof.

10 years ago, my Morton Buildings sales rep said they want the snow to get off the roof quickly. So no slide stops are recommended.

But I see a few newer buildings with snow blockers. Maybe something changed.

When the snow slides, it makes enough noise - it's a warning to step a little faster out of the way.

 

[plowhog]

When the snow slides, it makes enough noise - it's a warning to step a little faster out of the way.

I don't have any doors, etc. that I am concerned with regarding a "snow dump" along that part of the building, which is south facing. The north face side has no gutters at all; therefore, no problems. However, the south side of the building is concreted-- so I need gutters to prevent spalling of the concrete.

I am guessing that what is causing the gutters to be torn up is freeze/thaw cycles. Maybe enhanced if frozen ice chunks break away or get pushed by snow. When the sun comes up and UV increases, it melts snow higher up on the roof. The snowmelt runoff, later in the day, freezes along the edge of the eave at the gutter. Repeat that a few times and now there is a dam/barrier which causes the whole process to amplify. The roof over the building stays a little warmer than the overhanging eave since it never goes below freezing inside the (insulated) building. The eave overhangs by about 3 feet, and with no heat in it, the roof immediately above it is an opportune place to freeze.

I admit I do not know for certain how to address the problem (yet). But at this point I don't think that putting the snow dams to prevent snow from sliding is going to affect that freeze/thaw process at all. If anything, I believe if the snow would slide off easier there would be less to contribute to a freeze/thaw cycle. The roof is 4:10 pitch which is a bit unusual and steep for a metal building, which are typically more flat.

 

[Dwellonroof]

If you have gutters you need the guards otherwise the weight of the ice and snow will pull down the gutters.
As far as installing them it depends on the roof panels and how much snow you get. You would probably be better off with a bar type system.

 

[Dwellonroof]

Plowhog, which roof panels do you have? Maybe a picture would help.

 

[Dwellonroof]

Here is a picture of the type I made on my break then use the roof screws with the washer and screw into the high ribs.

 

[LouNY]

Around here when I see gutters on barns with metal or slate roofs the gutters are mounted lower then the ones on shingle roofs, the snow and ice is supposed to clear the gutter when it slides off. Even when it creeps off slowly there is usually a long curling projection that falls off.

 

[zzvyb6]

I add a layer of water softener chunks in the gutter to keep them open in winter.

 

[plowhog]

Plowhog, which roof panels do you have? Maybe a picture would help.

I will get a photo posted when I return. I do have some spare material where I am now, so I can photo that tomorrow.

I know it is not a standing seam roof. Already regret that I did not purchase that option.

 

[ultrarunner]

In Austria where snow is part of winter in Alpine regions I have half pipe copper gutters with heavy cast underslung brackets on every rafter tail.

They are mounted low enough to be just under the line of fire but typical Alpine design is for low pitch so the snow doesn't come off in sheets.

The rafters are sized for this and snow provides insulation and wind shelter.

The half pipe can be left open on the ends or open with a chain to ground to direct water to a catch basin... often a bed of rocks.

Typical winter but with a mega storm expected and my 75 year old neighbor shoveling snow lightening the load on the cabin roof...

 

[CliffordK]

I wonder if one of the gutter covers would help direct ice and snow off of the roof.

I doubt ice expansion is too big of a deal, but you might still get ice buildup and weight in the gutters.

 

[sandman2234]

Hmmm, how to keep gutters from freezing? Move to Florida?
David from jax