How does ice affect the performance of the gutter or gutter guard?
During winter time, presence of snow on a roof always tends to create ice build up in a gutter. Always make sure to clean gutters before winter time to help reduce ice backup on gutters without guards. If there continues to be large ice damming problems, then consider your attic ventilation system as well as lack of attic insulation, which can release heat that may melt down the snow and the runoff water refreezes once it gets to the eaves. Heat cord or Heat cables can help in high capacity areas to reduce ice build up. Gutter Guards can tend to cause increased icicles at times but ice will not affect the functionality of the product. Proper attic ventilation/insulation will reduce ice buildup on top of gutter guards. It is also recommended to roof rake after heavy snow falls to prevent ice buildup whether or not you have gutter guards.
