Your gutters sit at the edge of your roof exposed to the elements. As leaves blow in and rains come, your gutter can become blocked, waterlogged, and overloaded.
This could lead to cracked gutters and drainpipes, mold and mildew forming, as well as rotting and flooding. All of which add up to costly repairs.
Maintaining your gutters is a straightforward task that requires minimal effort. You just need to remember to do it.
But how often should you clean your gutters? And when is the best time to clean gutters?
Here’s our helpful guide to make sure that your dirty gutters do not cause harm to your home.
What Happens When You Don’t Clean Your Gutters?
The wind will blow all sorts of debris towards your roof, from leaves and twigs, through your trash.
Birds and other small animals may make nests in your gutters too. This adds to the amount of material that could potentially build up and cause a blockage.
Much of this debris will accumulate during the spring and summer months and into the autumn. If you don’t clean your gutters, they will become a problem as autumn progresses and winter comes.
When heavier rain comes, it will cause your gutters to overflow. This can lead to flooding, as well as rotting weatherboards, mold, and mildew to come through into your home.
Roofing and gutter repairs may be required, and you will need a professional to carry this out.
Knowing how often to clean gutters can help you to set time aside to carry out this essential chore.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
Ideally, you should clean your gutters at least twice a year. By carrying out gutter cleaning biannually, you will be able to ensure your gutter is clear.
If your home is close to lots of trees, you might want to think about increasing the frequency to prevent a build-up of leaves. You should also check your gutters following a heavy storm as there may be more debris than usual.
When Is the Best Time to Clean Your Gutters?
The best time to clean gutters is going to be during the spring and autumn.
During the spring, you will be clearing away any debris that will have built up during the winter months. Before the weather starts changing for the worst, removing any dry leaves that have fallen during the summer and early autumn will make sure your gutters are clear ahead of the worst weather.
How to Clean Your Gutters
There is no definitive method for getting your gutters cleaned. But safety should be a priority.
Use a sturdy ladder to get up to your gutter and have someone foot the base.
You could use a vacuum or a blower to remove leaves and debris. Or you could wear gloves and remove them by hand.
What to Do If Your Gutter Is Already Damaged
If you’re unsure about how often should you clean your gutters, it is always best to check your roof for debris. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
In the worst-case scenarios, you may attempt to clean your gutters and notice that your guttering, weatherboards, or roofing is damaged. Replacing these crucial elements of your property requires expert help.
If you require assistance repairing your gutters or roof, get in touch today for a full quote.