You may have noticed after a winter storm, icicles hanging from the eaves of your roof.  You may have thought how pretty and idyllic they look, but they also are big trouble for any homeowner.  Beautiful icicles are not the only thing to form after a big storm or freeze, they can also lead to ice dams in the roof gutters.  Gutter ice dams are thick pieces of solid ice that can loosen the shingles on your roof, tear off your gutters, and cause water to back up and stream into your house.  This water can cause stained or sagging ceilings, and warped paint and floors.  Also, it can lead to  moisture of the insulation in the attic, which can cause mildew and mold.  Below are some tips to help prevent or get rid of gutter ice dams .

​Do you have any used rain gutters hanging around that you have no idea what to do with?  How about using them to create do-it-yourself projects for your home? Used rain gutters are great to use for recycled crafts, and you can create some of these projects using little to no money.  Below are some fantastic and creative ideas to re-purpose your old rain gutters.  

The following pictures are good examples of a rain chain in the winter. Although they are beautiful “ Ice Sculptures ”, they also must support a lot of weight. Making sure the chain is attached securely at the top is essential.

It is crucial as a homeowner to clean and maintain the gutters of your house.  Your gutters play an important role because they protect your home from water damage during a rainstorm.  If your gutters become clogged they may be unable to move the rainwater away from your house, which can cause serious water damage, rot, and mold growth.  If you struggle to keep your gutters clean, you may want to consider installing gutter guards.  Below is a list of the different kinds of gutter guards available to purchase, as well as the advantages of each one.