Many homeowners know that they need to have their gutters clean, but the question is “how often?”
Eavestrough and gutter cleaning is not the most exciting afternoon activity a homeowner can do, which is why many turn a blind eye to this task.
This tedious chore makes it easy for people to procrastinate and forget about cleaning the gutters, which could lead to serious damage later on.
The harsh Ottawa climate makes the gutters in the city more susceptible to damage, so it’s more important than ever to make sure your gutters are clear of any leaves, tree branches, and other material that may have acclimated over time.
When Should You Clean Your Gutters
So how often should you clean your gutters? Well, it depends!
Many professionals in the industry recommend that you have your gutters cleaned twice a year, once in spring and once at the end of the fall. However, where you live is a factor you should consider when trying to figure out how frequently you should clean your gutters.
People living in a hot and dry area can get away with cleaning their gutters once a year since there aren’t many plants and trees clogging the gutter.
On the other hand, people who live in an area with a lot of precipitation and snowfall or have lots of trees around them should get their gutter cleaned at least a couple of times a year.
The type of trees around the house also plays a role in how often gutters should be cleaned. Homeowners with trees with needles, like pine, surrounding their house should consider getting their gutters cleaned 3-4 times per year. When left clogged, gutters become a homeowner hazard, often leading to roof damage, flooding, unwanted pests and much more.
What Happens if You Don’t Do Regular Maintenance
You’ll never really know what’s going on in your gutters until it’s too late. Because of their location, it’s hard to have a look inside your gutters to make sure they’re well-maintained and working properly.
Whether you forgot to clean your gutters or consciously decided to ignore them, the neglect can cause significant damage not only to the gutter themselves but other parts of your home as well.
The main purpose of gutters is to keep water away from the foundation of your house. So when the gutters are clogged, the water ends up dripping down.
The displaced water can cause all sorts of problems, it can seep into the basement and cause water damage or cause problems with the foundation.
If left uncleaned, the leaves in your gutters will start to decompose and grow mold and mildew. Even if this may not seem as big of a problem at the beginning, it’s important to remember that mold spreads rapidly.
The mold could spread to the inside of your home, which poses serious health risks to your family. Many people are allergic to mold and it can make your household members quite sick. Not to mention, it’s expensive and time-consuming to get rid of.
The one thing most homeowners try to avoid replacing is their roof. Roof replacement is a big project and comes with an even bigger price tag, which is why many homeowners will try to extend the lifespan of their roof as much as possible.
If the gutters get clogged up, the water will overflow and seep onto the roof, resulting in leaks and water damage to the inside of your home.
Leave the Gutter Cleaning to the Professionals
Although gutter cleaning may seem like a task you can do yourself, it can be a dangerous chore, especially for people who are not fond of ladders and heights.
Safety is crucial when it comes to doing home maintenance, especially if you’re cleaning your gutters in bad weather conditions, so it’s best to call experts who are better equipped to handle the task.
Save yourself the headache and leave the work up to the pros. You can count on our experienced crew at GlassMate to do a job well done. We take the time to thoroughly inspect and clean your gutters while also keeping an eye out for any damages that may have occurred.
Contact us to learn more about our gutter and window cleaning services and get your free, no-obligation quote today.
