Gutters are an excellent way to protect your property from water damage, but they must be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure that they are functioning correctly. Your gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, ideally in the early spring and early fall, whether you hire a professional or do it yourself.
If you ignore your gutters for an extended period, you risk experiencing unexpected and costly consequences such as roof rot, water damage to your home, and deadly mold. It’s critical to understand how and when to clean gutters to avoid unnecessary stress.
In this article, you’ll learn when the best time of year is to clean your gutters, what to look out for, why it’s necessary to do so, and how to do it safely.
WHEN TO CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS
Fall and spring are the two main times of year people think of gutter cleaning, and although they are the perfect time of year to do it, gutter cleaning can also be done in winter and summer. It’s critical to keep up with the removal of twigs, leaves, and other debris to avoid clogging your downspouts.
When you should clean your gutters depends on where you live and whether or not a recent windy storm has stirred up debris. If your home has a lot of trees, you’ll need to clean the gutters regularly.
If you find water leaking into your home, collecting in your yard, or dripping from your gutters, it’s also a good idea to clean them and inspect them for damage. Another clue that your gutters may be clogged is the presence of mice or pests. While you’ll be cleaning your gutters frequently in the fall, it’s also a duty you’ll want to undertake regularly throughout the year to keep your downspouts clear.
THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING YOUR GUTTERS CLEANED
Keeping the gutters clean is one of the most vital chores a homeowner has because clogged downspouts can pose many potential problems. When gutters aren’t cleaned regularly, rainwater collects and has nowhere else to go and ends up inside your home, where it can cause severe damage. Excess moisture in your house can bring about serious issues, including a cracked foundation or mold growth, which can attract insects and rodents.
These problems can be potentially dangerous and costly, especially if more than one occurs. Putting the time and effort into routinely clearing your gutters can save a lot of extra time and money in the long run.
SAFETY TIPS FOR CLEANING YOUR GUTTERS
If you don’t take the right safety precautions, cleaning the gutters can be a risky job. If you’re terrified of heights or don’t feel safe climbing a ladder, this is a job that’s best left to the pros. If you’re confident in your ability to complete the task, use these safety precautions to help limit your chance of injury.
- Wear eye protection and gloves when cleaning the gutter
- Use a good quality ladder
- Always inspect the ladder before using it
- While you’re on the ladder, have someone keep it steady.
- Always keep both feet and one hand on the ladder.
- Before you begin, inspect the gutters to make sure no animals or insects have taken up residence inside.
HIRE A PROFESSIONAL
If you don’t feel comfortable on a ladder, you can hire someone to clean your gutters. The cost varies based on where you are. Glassmate inspects and cleans your gutters thoroughly, keeping an eye out for any damage and pests that may have occurred.
