Do gutter guards cause icicles?

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Accepted Answer

They can. On cold nights, meltwater or freezing drizzle can freeze on the surface of a gutter guard, especially fine mesh, and hang off the front edge as icicles instead of draining into the gutter. In most of Georgia this happens only during occasional ice events, and it is more a nuisance than a hazard unless icicles hang over walkways. Why it happens Water crossing a guard has to soak through the mesh or holes. When the guard is at or below freezing, a thin film can freeze before it gets through, building ice on the surface. More water then flows over that ice and off the front of the guard, forming icicles. Open gutters do the same thing once they fill with ice, so guards are not the only cause. Which guards are most prone Fine micro-mesh, because water spreads across it in a thin film. Guards on north-facing eaves that never see winter sun. Guards below roof areas where heat leaking from the attic melts snow or ice while the eave stays below freezing. Georgia perspective Freezing rain and snow are occasional in metro Atlanta, and some winters bring none, while the north Georgia mountains see colder spells more often. Icicles on guards usually melt off within a day or so. They are worth managing near doors, steps and driveways, where falling ice can hurt someone or damage a car. Reducing it Improve attic insulation and air sealing so the roof does not melt ice from below. Keep the guard and gutter clear of debris so water drains quickly. Choose guards that take water in well at the front edge. Do not chip ice of

Do gutter guards cause icicles?

Why it happens

Which guards are most prone

Georgia perspective

Reducing it

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