Why Winter and Gutters Don't Mix Well
Some companies work in winter, but I'll explain why it's risky for work quality.
The Silicone Problem
**Silicones designed for gutters shouldn't be installed below 5°C.** It's written in black and white on tubes from all serious manufacturers.
When silicone cures in cold weather, it doesn't form the chemical bonds necessary for durable sealing. Result: leaks that appear at the first thaw.
Why Winter Means Lower Quality Work
Cold weather doesn't break aluminum — it's a solid material in all seasons. However, working in cold weather affects work quality in several ways:
**Reduced precision:** With thick gloves, installers lose dexterity. Measurements and cuts are less precise.
**Compromised safety:** Ladders on ice, slippery roofs, reduced visibility — everything is more dangerous.
**Difficult working conditions:** The cold slows down work and makes every step more complicated. The end result suffers.
What Happens to Joints
In cold weather, materials contract. If you install joints and fittings when everything is contracted, what happens in spring when everything expands? Tensions, cracks, leaks.
The Illusion of Urgency
Often, customers think there's urgency to install in winter because of infiltration problems. A well-done temporary solution will hold until spring.
At Akaro, we don't work in winter. We refuse to compromise our work quality and your system's lifespan. We resume installations correctly in spring.
Dangerous Exceptions
Some companies offer "winter discounts" to convince you. Be wary. If a company is willing to compromise quality to get work, what does that say about their general approach?
Our Standards at Akaro
We refuse installations between December and March, period. Our customers understand that we prefer to do the job once, correctly, rather than redo it the following year.
What to Do While Waiting?
If you have winter problems:
- Temporary repair with cold-appropriate materials
- Safe de-icing of existing gutters
- Planning new installation for spring
The Ideal Period
Best conditions for installing gutters: daytime temperatures of at least 5°C. In Quebec, that generally gives us April to November to work in the best conditions.
The Long-Term Investment
Your gutters are an investment for 20 years or more. Why take shortcuts that will compromise their durability to save a few months?
Wait for the right time. Your house and your wallet will thank you.