It’s dirty work, but someone has to do it. Your home’s gutters might be filled with debris, leaves and dirt, but it’s crucial to the functionality of your roof and home. Leaving it filled and overflowing will only lead to problems down the line, which is why you should always clean it.
The question that comes to most homeowners’ minds, though, is “how often should I be cleaning my gutters?”. We’ll get to that point in a second once we highlight why you should be cleaning them and the best way to do it.
Why Clean My Gutters?
If you don’t clean your gutters, you can end up experiencing the following problems:
- A build-up of mould, which can result in you replacing your gutters
- Unnecessary overflow and pressure on the roof, which can result in leaks, cracked shingles and roof damage.
- Basement and foundation damage as excessive water will flood the basement, doing significant damage to your home. It can also result in cracks and water-pooled areas.
- Invites bugs, insects and mice to your house, as gutters are considered “warm” areas for them to live in.
Consistently cleaning and washing your gutters ensures that you reduce your exposure to these potential problems and issues.
How To Clean My Gutters?
There are many ways to clean your gutters, and depending on everyone’s point of view, it varies each time. We’ve done the research and narrowed down the list for you, so you know it’s easy when it comes to cleaning your gutters:
- Get the right tools in order: ladder, gloves, eye protection, a bucket of water or hose, and a disposable garbage bag
- Climb the ladder to reach your gutters, and scoop out the debris and the dirt. Put the excess debris and dirt in the garbage bag before leaving it aside to get thrown out.
- Once that’s completed, pour your bucket of water down the gutter, or hose it down, so it pushes all the remaining debris and gunk out. If there’s a lot, it will compile at the end of the gutter, making it easier to collect.
- Keep an eye out for any leaks or cracks in the gutter. Use a high-quality sealant, and make sure you give it enough time to harden.
- If you notice any mould, make sure you spray and wipe it off with a mixture of bleach and water, as it will kill it.
- Be safe when climbing the ladder. Make sure that someone is there supporting you in case you fall. Don’t overdo it or extend yourself to the point that you might fall or cause injury.
If you find cleaning your gutters tiresome or difficult, you can always contact professional cleaners to help you. In many cases, these professionals do multiple jobs at once: they’re gutter cleaners, window washers and housekeepers. You might be able to find a better value and deal if you hire them.
How Often Should I Clean My Gutters?
The question that needs to be asked and answered. When it comes to how often you should clean your gutters, the answer varies on where you live and your exposure to specific weather elements.
If you live in an area with high-levels of rain, you might have to clean it more often, as more debris and dirt tends to accumulate. Snowy and below-zero temperatures also require you to clean more often, as it prevents any water blockages from freezing and cracking the gutters. Dryer areas won’t require as many cleanings per year.
On average, most professionals recommend cleanings 2-3 times per year, usually in between the changing seasons. So ideally, before spring and after fall.
