How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

We install gutters to safeguard our home’s landscaping, fascia, and foundation. For their service, they require a little maintenance and cleaning from us. Gutter cleaning isn’t the most glamorous job, but it’s a necessity for every homeowner, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain.  It’s not just about maintaining the aesthetics, but gutter cleaning prevents pest infiltration and water damage.

Why is gutter cleaning essential?

Maintaining and cleaning your gutters prevents:

• Leaking gutters, resulting in mold growth.
• Damage to the foundation and basement.
• Pests from infesting your home.

How often to clean gutters

If you wonder when to clean gutters, experts recommend doing it twice yearly, preferably in the early fall and late spring. But if you have pine trees around your home, you may have to be more proactive. It is by inspecting the gutters every three months followed by cleaning if necessary. If you know pine trees, you are familiar with their generosity season in and out, leaving needles all over the roof and gutters!

During the rains and storms, you should also clean your gutters regularly. The rainfalls and clutter combined are out to damage your home’s fascia. It spreads to the foundation or basement with time, and you could be looking at costly repairs and replacements.

How to clean gutters

Although a professional may have better tools and techniques to handle the gutters, this exercise can be done by hand with a high-pressure hose. Other requirements include a pair of gloves, dust mask, goggles, a ladder, of course! And a stabilizer to hold the ladder in place.

Steps for Cleaning Your Gutters

1. Get yourself a sturdy ladder. Place it on the ground, ensuring it is firm. A ladder stabilizer will ensure your safety.
2. Dress appropriately. Insects and microbes thrive in gutters, so get yourself a good pair of rubber gloves and a long sleeved shirt.
3. Using a small scoop, get rid of the gunk from the gutters carefully. Use a garbage bag to dispose of the dirt.
4. As you work on the gutter, it is helpful to spread a tarp below to collect the gunk and safeguard the lawn.
5. Having cleared all the debris and dirt, get a high-pressure hose to flush the gutters while pushing the remaining refuse to the downspout. This way, you can establish any leaking spots.
6. When you are sure that the gutters are good as new, watch out for any sagging metal to repair them. It is done by mounting a gutter hanger. Once you are done, you will feel a sense of pride!

It is advisable not to stand on your roof as you may fall or damage the asset you are trying hard to protect. Watch out for the weather changes and ensure you make proper preparations. If it’s too hot or cold for you to be handling the gutters, get professional help.