Post-Winter Gutter Audit: 6 Things to Check After the Ice Melts

Winter weather in the Pacific Northwest, especially here in St. Helens, Oregon, places severe stress on your home’s gutter system. Between freeze-thaw cycles, heavy ice, and persistent rain, gutters can develop hidden issues that have major consequences as spring arrives. Completing an end-of-winter gutter audit helps you address minor problems before they turn into costly gutter replacement projects. Here are six crucial areas every St. Helens homeowner should inspect after the last of the ice melts.

1. Remove Winter Debris and Assess Gutter Guards

Melting ice and snow often leave behind compacted leaves, twigs, and sediment that restrict water flow. Begin your audit by cleaning out all gutters and downspouts. If you have gutter guards, lift a few panels and check underneath for trapped grit or pine needles, as these are common in Oregon’s tree-filled neighborhoods. A quick flush with a hose ensures that everything drains freely and lets you spot areas where guards may have shifted, warped, or failed to keep out debris during the winter’s harshest storms.

2. Inspect for Ice Damage and Sagging

Ice dams put unplanned weight on your gutters, sometimes causing them to bow, pull away from the fascia, or form low spots that trap water. Walk the perimeter of your home and look for:

• Sagging or uneven gutter runs
• Sections pulling away from the roofline
• Cracks or splits, especially at seams or end caps

Even a small area of sagging can lead to overflows that soak your siding or foundation. Gutters should drain toward each downspout with a gentle slope of about 1/4 inch for every 10 feet. If you notice persistent standing water, this suggests your gutters need to be re-leveled or rehung.

3. Check for Leaks, Rust, and Separated Joints

Spring’s first heavy rains will quickly reveal leaking seams or rusted spots. While cleaning, run water through each gutter section and inspect for drips underneath, especially at joints, mitered corners, and where gutter sections meet above porch roofs or additions. In metal systems, also look for flaking rust or pinholes. Small leaks are manageable with sealant or a quick patch, but long runs of pitting, advanced rust, or widespread seam failure may indicate that gutter replacement is needed to prevent ongoing water damage.

4. Test Downspouts and Drainage Pathways

Downspouts and elbows often freeze solid during winter storms, which can cause internal splits or separation from the gutter. Detach downspout extensions if possible and check for clogs or dents. Run water from the top and ensure a strong stream exits 4-6 feet away from your home’s foundation. Weak output, leaks at rivets, or separated joints all need attention. In some cases, boosting drainage may mean upgrading to larger downspouts or redirecting water with flop-out extensions to keep runoff away from window wells and garden beds.

5. Examine Fascia, Soffit, and Foundation Zones

Ice-damaged gutters often cause collateral damage to your home’s structural woodwork. Closely examine the fascia board behind your gutters for water stains, soft wood, or peeling paint. Look at soffits for swelling or mold, which points to chronic leaks above. On the ground, check for mulch washouts, eroded soil, or puddling near the foundation. These are signs that gutter overflow occurred during the winter.

6. Evaluate Ice Prevention Upgrades: Heat Coils

If ice dams were a recurring problem this past winter, now is the ideal time to consider gutter heat coils. These electrically heated cables, available through reputable local contractors like Mountain Peak Gutters, help keep melted snow draining safely through gutters by preventing refreezing at critical points. Heat coils are especially valuable in shaded areas or north-facing rooflines typical in St. Helens neighborhoods near the Columbia River.

Schedule Your Post-Winter Gutter Inspection Before Spring Rains Hit

Spring doesn’t last long in St. Helens, OR, and waiting for the next downpour could mean discovering gutter problems the hard way. Mountain Peak Gutters offers a comprehensive post-winter gutter inspection, including thorough cleaning, gutter guard checks, and targeted repairs or upgrades to help prevent future ice-related damage. Protect your foundation, siding, and roofline now. Call Mountain Peak Gutters today at (720) 767-0800 or visit our Specials page to learn more about our current services.