how often should you clean your gutters

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

Are you wondering how often should you clean your gutters? Well, you’re in the right place, so wonder no longer. 

In premise, the answer to that question is highly variable, and the most obvious approach to cleaning gutters is when they are dirty. However, what constitutes dirty gutters, and what other elements can damage their integrity?

In this article, we will cover all of that and much more.

So get your gear ready and keep reading to learn more.

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

As mentioned earlier, like most questions involving frequency, the answer is unstable. It really depends on many factors. 

For instance, many specialists say that cleaning your gutters twice a year is more than enough. Once in the summer and once in the spring. But it’s not that simple.

If you have overbearing trees growing around and about your house, you should consider taking a look at your gutters every 2 months. The reason for this is because trees, especially pine trees shed their needles all year round. 

Also, if your home is located at a higher elevation, ice is a considerable issue. So you need to make sure that your gutters are clean throughout the winter because the consequence of damage to your roof is less than wished for. 

Better to prevent the issue before it occurs. Considering this, let’s take a look at how you can spot damage from dirty gutters.

Spot Damage From Dirty Gutters

The most optimal way to finding damage from dirty gutters is before it’s there. Wait, what? 

Yes, you heard that right. An inspection of your gutters each season, especially before it starts raining is the best way to approach this. If you’re unsure what to look for or feel uncomfortable with heights and ladders, a professional can do the work for you.

Here are some warning signs that you should look out for in your yard, home, and gutters. 

Pools of water near foundation, driveway, or on the law. All of these are resultative of water not draining properly. It might also mean that the downspouts are not linked appropriately. 

Water where it should not be. Is there water in your basement? Drips inside your home? This might mean that your roof is at risk of water damage. 

Gutters not draining or dripping. This might mean that your gutters are clogged or leaking somewhere, this is not a good thing.

Bugs in your home? Mice in the walls and attic? All of these signs are resembling of a nest in your clogged gutters.

Furthermore, these issues might constitute a replacement, which is a costly result of not cleaning your gutters.

Do I Need to Replace the Gutters?

You might have to. Depending on the type installed, they should be able to hold out at least 20 years of function, but that’s only if they have been installed properly, not to mention maintenance.

Metal gutters last longer. Plastic and vinyl not so much, and must be replaced more often, especially when damaged. 

Seamless gutters are very expensive but are unlikely to leak. Gutter guards can prevent leaves and debris from getting into the gutters in the first place.

In any case, neglecting regular maintenance and not installing gutters correctly will drastically deplete its longevity. The only way to be sure if the gutters are in need of replacement is to get them inspected by an expert roofer. 

However, in general, a quick look should be able to help you determine whether or not an issue is present. 

How to Clean Gutters?

You might think that cleaning gutters is hard, and you are most certainly right. But not in the sense of difficulty, but in the sense of convenience. Gutter cleaning is messy, tedious, and dangerous. 

The true and tried method of gutter cleaning is by hand, but a pressured water hose can help you get rid of clogs as well. Here are some tips to make the job safer, easier, and more efficient, however, it’s always recommended that you hire a specialist for the job:

  • Wear appropriate protective gear, such as eye protection and work gloves
  • Don’t just toss the dirt on the ground, put it in a bag for compost or garbage (leaving it will attract insects)
  • Pay attention to mold, if you find any sign of mold, contact your local roofing/gutter specialist immediately
  • Seal all leaks (one can do this with a high-quality sealant but it’s best left to be done by professionals)
  • Whenever working on a roof or with a ladder, there’s a possibility of injury so be careful, have someone help, and don’t overdo it

And that’s about it. Gutter cleaning can even be fun if you get the hang of it. However, if you feel unsafe about this type of process, contact a local specialist who will be able to perform the cleaning for you at a reasonable price.

And that’s worth the weight of gold.

Gutter Services for You

Now that you know how often should you clean your gutters, you are well on your way to ensure that no further damage occurs to your household. As long as you take a considerate approach to your gutters, you will never see the day when they come to bring unwanted issues.

If you’re interested in getting your gutters clean but don’t want to do it on your own, get in touch with us and we will happily accommodate your needs.


Posted

in

by