Q Every winter the gutters on my townhouse freeze and this causes a hazardous situation, not to mention possible water damage.
The 6-year-old building is four stories high, and the roof is sloped. There are no trees nearby that can account for debris in the gutter. What do you recommend?
Anna Rodriguez-Pazo, Chicago
A. Gutters and downspouts divert thousands of gallons of water from the roof and foundation of your home. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up into the house and lead to wall and ceiling damage. They can also cause ice buildup. They need to be checked frequently for debris, rust and damage.
You can use a hose to spray water in the gutter and wash debris toward the downspout. Or you can use a wire brush to scrape away roof gravel and other debris. Also, check to be sure the gutters are not sagging. Try pouring water into the gutters to see if the water runs toward the downspout. They should be sloped downward about 1/4-inch every 10 feet toward the downspout. If not, you can adjust the brackets that hold the gutters.
If you find rust in the gutters, scrape the area clean and apply several thin coats of roofing cement. To repair a hole in the gutter, take a piece of roof flashing about an inch larger than the hole. Use roofing cement to glue the patch.
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