East winds out of the Columbia River Gorge and occasional ice storms hit east Multnomah County and east Clark County hardest. To prepare gutters, clean them fully before winter so ice cannot build on debris, tighten or add hangers (every 18 to 24 inches), keep downspout outlets clear, and never chip ice off gutters with tools.
What wind and ice do to gutters
- Wind drives needles and leaves into gutters quickly
- Gusts loosen fasteners on gutters already pulling away
- Ice in clogged gutters adds weight that bends runs and pulls hangers
- Frozen downspouts back water up onto the roof edge
Prepare before winter
- Clean gutters and flush downspouts by early December.
- Check hanger spacing and add hangers where runs flex.
- Secure loose downspout straps.
- Trim branches that could fall on the roofline.
During and after an ice storm
Stay off ladders. Let ice melt naturally rather than chipping it, which damages gutters and shingles. After the thaw, check for sagging sections, bent runs and detached downspouts, and photograph storm damage for insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Do gutter guards help in ice storms?
They keep gutters clear so ice has less to grip, but ice can still form on top. Properly fastened gutters matter more.
Should I use heat cable in gutters?
Heat cable is rarely needed in the Portland area. If ice dams are a recurring problem, have attic insulation and ventilation checked first.
Need a hand?
- Gutter Repair: Leaking seams, sagging runs, loose hangers, bad slope and crushed downspouts fixed in one visit.
- Gutter Cleaning: Hand-cleaned gutters, flushed downspouts, roof edge cleared and everything bagged and hauled away.
- Seamless Gutter Installation: Seamless aluminum gutters formed on-site to the exact length of your roofline, in your color.