IL License Number: 104.017181
CASE STUDY – DECEMBER 2025
Location: Buffalo Grove, IL
Project Type: Winter gutter emergency stabilization + full gutter and downspout replacement on a single-family home
Investment: $1,800
Timeline: 4 Days

Adam reached out looking for help that same morning, hoping someone could respond quickly and treat the situation with the urgency it deserved.
Within hours, our crew was dispatched.
The response had been fast. The repair required patience.
Adam discovers a broken, ice-loaded gutter
Emergency call placed mid-morning
Crew arrives within 4 hours
Gutter secured, ice removed, roof edge cleared
Extreme cold sets in (down to -1°F)
Installation postponed for safety and quality
Temperatures rise to 38°F
Full gutter and downspout replacement completed
Final walkthrough and clean-up
Same-day, unprompted five-star review posted

In Climate Zone 5A, communities like Buffalo Grove endure constant freeze–thaw cycles, where snow melts during the day, refreezes overnight, and steadily builds extreme ice loads at the roof edge. As Wojtek Serafin, Gutter Foreman at Holda Construction, explains:

Ice weighs roughly 57 pounds per cubic foot, which means a long gutter run can end up carrying over 2,000 pounds—the equivalent of a small car hanging off the fascia. In this case, the failure was accelerated by a common shortcut Wojtek sees far too often: “The first hanger from the end cap needs to be close to the end cap so it holds—in this case they put it a foot away which contributed to the problem.”
That small mistake gives ice leverage, allowing it to pry the gutter loose as temperatures swing. The physical evidence confirmed the diagnosis beyond doubt. “We raised this gutter over an inch… we know because the dirt marks stay on the fascia,” Wojtek said, pointing to the visible proof left behind.
This is why Holda Construction refuses to cut corners and follows a strict standard built for real Chicago winters. As Wojtek puts it plainly, “It should be 0.032-thick material and heavy-duty hangers—then it won’t fail.” This case perfectly illustrates Holda’s philosophy: honest diagnosis, clear education, and building systems that respect the realities of Midwestern weather.
To learn more about dangers of frozen weather on Chicago roofing and siding, visit our article on Why Ice Dams Form on Roofs.
If you’re a homeowner in the Chicago suburbs facing winter damage, ice buildup, or a problem that feels urgent, this story shows what a good outcome can look like: clear communication, thoughtful timing, and work done with long-term safety in mind. Feel free to contact us online or at 847.847.2883.
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If you’re a homeowner in the Chicago suburbs facing winter damage, ice buildup, or a problem that feels urgent, we are here to help!

Guides project planning and key homeowner decisions. Sets standards and approves final deliverables.

Coordinates scheduling, materials, permits, and day-to-day communications.

Leads the crew on site; directs daily work; manages walkthroughs and quality control.

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Siding installations.

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317 W Colfax St. Suite 102
Palatine, IL 60067