How Often Should You Clean Gutters?

Your home may be the biggest investment you own. It’s therefore important to protect it, which is where your gutters come in. To maximize their ability to protect your house from the weather, you’ll need to keep them clean. Luckily, gutters only need to be cleaned a couple of times a year in most cases. Here’s everything you need to know about gutter maintenance and what happens if you forget to clean them.

What Time of Year Should You Clean Your Gutters?

Your gutters may only need to be cleaned a few times a year, but when you clean them matters. The end of fall, when leaves have accumulated in your gutters, is an important time to clean out your gutters. Another is in spring, to start your year off with clean gutters. If your home is surrounded by trees, you may need to clean your gutters more frequently, however. In this case, you’ll want to clean out your gutters every 2 to 3 months.

End of Autumn

As leaves fall during autumn, many of them will accumulate in your gutters, increasing the risk of clogs. Depending on the number of trees near your home, you may need to clean out your gutters throughout the season, but at minimum, you should clean them out at the end of fall to get rid of all of the leaves and other debris that may have built up.

Beginning of Spring

Spring cleaning should apply to your gutters just as it does to the rest of your house. In many places, spring is a rainy season and it’s a good idea to make sure that your gutters are cleaned out so water doesn’t accumulate in them or on your roof, which can attract bugs as well as cause water damage.

How Do You Clean Gutters?

Cleaning gutters isn’t too complicated. However, it can be a nuisance. With all of the other things on your to-do list, the last thing you may want to do is go through old leaves, water, or dirt and get messy while doing it. If you don’t feel like cleaning your gutters on your own, you can always hire a professional to do it for you. If you feel like cleaning gutters on your own, here’s everything you need to know.

Step #1

Take Safety Precautions

First and foremost, safety is important to consider when cleaning your gutters. Make sure you invest in some proper work gloves for clearing out leaves and other debris. Gloves will protect your hands from scrapes or other damage. Eye goggles may also be necessary so you don’t spray any moldy debris into your eyes. Lastly, be sure to take extra precautions when standing on the ladder to prevent falls on the pavement.

Step #2

Get a High-Pressure Hose

To clean the gutters you will need to get a high-pressure hose. With enough water pressure being applied downspout, you can angle the hose so the water pushes leaves or dirty water out from the gutter.

Step #3

Clear Any Signs of Mold

After you’ve cleared out debris with a hose, you will want to take extra care with some diluted bleach to clear any moldy areas you see. Bleach helps inhibit the growth of mold so that it stops producing and getting larger. Simply put the diluted bleach in a spray bottle and wipe away signs of mold, while wearing gloves to protect your skin.

Step #4

Seal Leaks

If you see a leak in the gutters, make sure you seal them immediately to prevent any long-term damage to your property. A sealant can be applied to the leak location and be cured over time to stop future leaks from occurring.

Step #5

Compost Waste From the Gutter

When you dispose of leaves and other waste from the gutter, be sure not to leave it out on the sidewalk or pavement. The old moist debris can attract unwanted insects. To avoid this, compost that waste into the bin and away from the ground.

What Happens When Gutters Are Left Uncleaned?

If you forget to clean your gutters, there may be some undesirable consequences that could result in your home needing some costly repairs.

Insection Attraction

Insects love moisture. When gutters are left uncleaned, moisture collects alongside decaying debris and can become a big attraction for all kinds of bugs (or even other critters). Many bugs will find a new home in your gutters and could eventually make their way inside your home.

Roof Leaks

Protecting your roof is essential to avoid the costly undertaking of roof replacement. Dirty gutters can eventually cause leaks in the foundation of your roof due to the accumulation of water. When the water is unable to drain after a storm and has nowhere to go, it may seep into your roof.

Mold Growth

Mold thrives in a moist, humid environment. Dead leaves left in the water that is left sitting and unable to drain is the perfect way for mold to begin growing, and that mold buildup can lead to health problems in the environment and slowly damage the base of your home.

Hire Professional Gutter Cleaning

If you don’t have the time to clean gutters yourself, be sure to reach out to the experts so you can be sure your home is protected all year. Our team is here to help wash away the debris and leave your gutters squeaky clean for the next season ahead.

For informational purposes only.