The Impact of Climate on Long Island Gutters and Chimneys
The climate of Long Island brings pleasant sunny summers and cold, snowy winters. However, these extreme weather conditions also take a toll on homes. In particular, the island's variable climate impacts two important exterior features - gutters and chimneys. You need to understand how the weather affects these systems and can help Long Island homeowners maintain and repair them. How Gutters Are Affected Gutters play a vital role in protecting homes from water damage. They collect rainwater from the roof and channel it away from the house through downspouts. But Long Island's dramatic swings from hot to cold bring challenges. In summer, heat bakes roof shingles, causing them to soften and expand. Shingle growth can disjoint gutters from the fascia board they are attached to. The smallest gaps then allow rainwater to drip behind gutters and soak into the walls. Winter's freezes bring another issue - ice dams. When snow on the roof melts from underneath and refreezes at the ...