Gutters are an aspect of your home that is very easy to forget about or neglect. As they are generally out of sight, they can stay out of mind until something goes wrong and they need attention. Gutters are an important part of home maintenance, and if overlooked, repairs can be costly. However, damage can easily be avoided with regular gutter cleaning.

Why Gutter Cleaning?

• Protect your home’s structural integrity. Gutters primarily work to divert rainwater away from your home. Water should discharge at least 4 feet away from your house. If a gutter is clogged, it will not be able to carry out this function, and water will just spill onto the ground. This will result in excess moisture in the soil around your home, which will seep down and erode your foundation, causing cracks.
• Prevent pest invasions. A collection of debris and water is likely to serve as a breeding ground for a variety of pests like mosquitos, ants, birds, and other nuisances.
• Preserve your home’s fascia. The fascia of your house is a huge source of curb appeal. With damaged, dirty gutters, the attractiveness of your home will take a beating. Also, clogged gutters that are full of debris will weigh more than your home’s fascia may be able to support, causing further damage to your home.

How Often Should Gutters Be Cleaned?

Generally speaking, gutter cleaning should be done annually. However, this largely depends on the weather where you live. If you have large trees near your home that shed debris, your gutters may become clogged more often. Also, if you get a heavy storm season, debris will collect in your gutters and could become problematic if it is not removed. Depending on the type of foliage near your home, a cleanse may be necessary between 2 and 4 times a year. A simple inspection will help you determine if you need to do some cleaning, or if your gutters can go a while longer between washes.

When is the Best Time for Gutter Cleaning?

The beginning of winter/the end of fall is the most beneficial time to clean out your gutters. Around this time of year, all of the leaves have already fallen off of trees, but heavy rain has likely not started yet. If you live somewhere that experiences heavy storms, be sure to check your gutters before the rain starts for the season to make sure that no debris may become trapped.

Need Gutter Cleaning Supplies?

For more information about supplies needed, or to purchase a gutter-washing chemical, contact us here and get all of your questions answered!