Millions of people wonder when they should clean the roof gutters and how often it should be done.
Well, cleaning gutters is a dirty chore and it can be put off for days, weeks, months, and years. If you keep forgetting and refusing to clean the roof gutters regularly, though, then it will eventually cause a gutter clog and result in gutter system failures. This gutter system failure will cause damage to your homes such as wood rot, landscape erosion, roof and gutter damage, pest and critter infestations, etc.
It is essential to follow a routine schedule of cleaning and maintenance of the gutters approximately 4 times per year. The frequency of the maintenance depends on the surrounding landscape as well. If there are trees all around your house, then the frequency of cleaning gutters increases. The gutters should be cleaned more often to protect them from clogging. At minimum, gutter maintenance should be planned during fall after most trees have shed for the winter and/or before the rainy season. October/November is a suitable time.
Why Is It Important To Clean Gutters Regularly?
Throughout the year, your roof gutter collects lots of falling leaves and other debris. Some are brought by birds and some slide down the roof. With too much muck and debris, the gutter system gets clogged and blocks water from flowing freely. Eventually, when the rainwater has nowhere to go, it will start spilling all over the place. The clogged water can form puddles and damage the foundation wall. The water that overflows from the gutter will hit the ground right next to your foundation wall, causing puddles to form which may in turn cause flooding.
People don’t always realize how damaging clogged gutters can be to their home. If gutters are not cleaned regularly, then you can get roofing problems, landscaping issues, and even mold and mildew. It will wreak havoc on your property. Therefore, it’s important to keep your gutter system working well.
How To Clean Gutters?
Maintaining Safety: When you are determined to clean your gutter, make sure that you have all the proper equipment and you follow safety measures effectively.
- Make sure you use a safe and sturdy ladder that’s strong enough to hold your weight.
- Have a big bucket for collecting debris from the gutter and roof.
- Inspect the ladder for any sort of defects, dents, or loose parts before climbing it.
Use A Garden Hose: A garden hose spray nozzle allows you to adjust the pressure; Use it to clean away debris in the gutter. Aim for the bottom of the area to get rid of dirt, gravel and twigs. Need “more power?” Use a wet/dry vacuum.
Get Help: If you don’t want to go up a ladder and clean the gutters yourself, professional gutter cleaning services can come do the job for you!
Summary:
It’s easier to forget about cleaning gutters but don’t ignore this important chore. If you don’t clear debris from your gutters, you could be dealing with costly roofing, siding, and foundation issues in the months ahead.