HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS?

Gutter Cleaning

Gutter cleaning is usually a part of a comprehensive roof maintenance program. If you include it in your property’s maintenance schedule, you will be able to avoid costly repairs and any inconvenience that may be caused by rainwater. But there is still a possibility that your gutter will not function well during heavy rainfall. You may experience flooding in the basement area or notice the overflowing rainwater in your gutter. This can erode the soil in the landscape and may damage your walls and ceiling. So, how often should you clean your gutters? How can you prevent frequent gutter clogging?

Cleaning Your Gutters at the Right Time and Frequency

The secret to getting a 100 percent functioning gutter is to clean it at the right time and frequency. Many gutter experts, including us, recommend a twice-a-year gutter cleaning plan. It must be performed in the late spring and early fall or late summer. However, there are other important factors that must be considered when following this maintenance plan. You must consider your location, the topography in your area, and the number of trees around your home. You may also need to perform a cleaning job after a storm. This is necessary for two reasons: removal of accumulated leaves and debris and checking for possible damage to the gutter system.

Meanwhile, the number and type of trees planted around your house will also affect the frequency of gutter cleaning. If you have oak and pine trees, you may need to clean the gutters up to 4 times a year. During spring, trees spread seed pods, oak tassels, and other debris that ends up in your gutter system. Pine trees can become a maintenance concern since they shed needles all year round.

Gutter Cleaning Is a Necessity

Gutter cleaning is necessary to extend the lifespan of your guttering and prevent rainwater damage to your home. It is also important to clean your gutters at the right time and frequency to prevent a more serious and costly maintenance problem. A poorly maintained gutter system may cause a leaky roof or water damage to the exterior and interior of your home. These are expensive repair and maintenance jobs, which can cost thousands of dollars.

Some of the serious damages that can be caused by clogged gutters include any or all of the following:

  • leaking basement
  • cracked foundation
  • soil erosion in the landscape
  • pest and insect infestation
  • presence of molds and mildews
  • damage on fascia boards and soffits
  • sagging driveways

 

No More Frequent Gutter Cleaning

All of us know that gutter cleaning is a difficult task. It is also risky since you have to climb ladders just to clean the inside part of the gutter. Performing a DIY cleaning job may not fully address the maintenance requirements of the entire system. Aside from removing leaves and debris, it is also important to check vital gutter components like hangers, miters, downspouts, and other accessories. They must be checked to determine if there is a need to replace, re-attach, or tune them up to ensure the proper flow of rainwater.

Meanwhile, there are a lot of ways you can reduce the number of times you clean your gutter system. One simple method is to perform regular tree pruning and trimming. This will help reduce the volume of leaves falling on your roof and gutter. You can also install a leaf guard, mesh, or filter foam to prevent the accumulation of leaves, twigs, and other debris inside the gutter. Installing these add-ons may require the help of professionals. Here at All About Gutters, we have the expertise and the right products that will protect your gutters. We use only premium-quality gutter guards and screens from trusted brands. And don’t forget to call us when you need reliable gutter cleaning professionals. We do the job efficiently and promptly at client-friendly rates. Call us at +1 (778) 873 6136.