Gutter cleaning is one of those tasks that can sit on your to-do list for a while. Waiting too long to clean your gutters can cause serious damage to your gutter system and home. So when should you clean them?
When to clean your gutters
While there isn’t a definitive answer, many experts recommend cleaning your gutters once to twice yearly, in the spring and fall. Don’t wait until winter to think of your gutters. If you have trees near your home, especially pine, you may want to consider cleaning your gutters every three to four months to ensure the gutter system works to divert rainwater away from your home. If you don’t clean them, pine needles and leaves can clog your system and you might have foundation issues on your hands as well. Experts also advise keeping an eye out for pests when you have trees near your home. Not only does it depend on where trees are located and what type, but also your location and the climate. Someone who lives surrounded by trees in North Carolina might need to clean more frequently than someone in California. Homeowners located in hurricane states might need to clean and prepare their gutters for storms more often than someone in Ohio. So, it really depends on your location and the landscape that surrounds your home.
What happens if you don’t clean your gutters?
If you keep putting off your yearly gutter cleaning or don’t clean your gutters when you notice leaks, you could be dealing with a few issues. Clogged gutters can lead to leaks, cracks, holes, dents, sagging, broken gutters, foundation cracks and even total loss of your landscape. It’s very important to clean your gutters in the fall to prevent standing water. Standing water can cause bacteria growth, mold and freeze in the winter. If your gutters completely freeze in the winter, it could cause cracks or holes in your system. You may even consider cleaning your gutters in the winter before freezing temperatures. Depending on your location and surrounding landscape, gutter guards could be a great investment to decrease the frequency of gutter maintenance and cleaning.
Should I clean my gutters myself or hire a professional?
Despite what you do, you should make cleaning your gutters a priority. Whether you decide to hire a professional for cleaning or hire them to install gutter guards, you’d be making an important investment in your home. Cleaning gutters yourself can lead to many risks such as falling off a ladder, electrical hazards, exposure to bacteria, lightheadedness, dizziness and pests. If you’re unsure of how to clean or maintain gutters, you might cause more harm than foul.
Conclusion
Gutter cleaning should occur at least twice a year depending on your location, landscape and climate. As a homeowner, it is possible to clean your gutters yourself, but in all honesty, it’s better to be safe than sorry when dealing with so many potential hazards. There are many gutter professionals that offer gutter cleaning along with other services like gutter guards, limiting the frequency of cleaning. All American Gutter Protection offers professional cleaning by hand to ensure no debris or pest is left behind. Our professionals follow safety procedures and use proper gear to avoid these hazards. Contact us now for a free gutter guard estimate learn more about how installing gutter guards can make your gutter system clog-free!
