How Often Should I Clean My Gutters?
Why is it Important I Clean My Gutters?
Clogged and messy gutters can have a knock-on effect to other areas of your house. If your gutters are full of moss and leaves, it can cause the gutters to sag and overflow, leading to leaky roofs and basements, cracked foundations, mould and much worse. In extreme cases the structural integrity of your home could even be compromised, or it could have negative effects on your health.
How Often Should I Clean My Gutters?
We’d recommended that you clean your gutter system twice per year. This is best done in the late spring and early autumn.
However, the frequency does depend on what sort of foliage and plants surround your home – pine trees, for example, shed their needles all year round which can lead to heavy blockages, meaning you may want to clean your gutters quarterly in this instance.
How Do I Clean My Gutters?
There are a number of ways in which to clean your gutters, but whichever way you choose, you must ensure you have the correct equipment. It is also best to choose a dry day in which to do this, as wet weather can make surfaces slippery and means that debris in the gutter is more difficult to remove.
You could use a pressure washer or garden hose with a spray nozzle to flush the gutters clean, or it’s possible to use a shop vac to suck up the debris if this is mostly dry.
The simplest way requiring only the basic equipment is to scoop the debris away with your hands.
To do this, it’s wise to use a stable ladder and protective gloves to avoid injury. From here, you can either lay tarpaulin or use a bucket to collect the debris you remove. You should make sure to clean debris from the following places:
- Roof
- Gutter lengths
- Downpipes
This is to ensure the whole system is clear and to prevent close by debris from blocking the gutter system in the coming weeks.
Spotting the Signs of Damage from Unclean Gutters
It’s important to keep an eye out for the signs of gutter damage and clogging – the earlier you spot these issues, the easier it may be to clean your gutters and prevent any further damage from being done.
Some of the signs of damaged and clogged gutters include:
- Pooling water on your driveway or lawn – this can indicate that water isn’t draining properly
- Dripping gutters or gutters that aren’t draining
- Signs of animal life – bugs and critters like damp environments, so if you notice an increase in wildlife in your home, it could be a sign things are leaking where they shouldn’t be
- Old and rusted gutters – the age of your gutters can also be a contributing factor to damage. Most gutters have an approximate 20-year lifespan, and as they near the end of this they may be prone to more damage.
To shop replacement gutter systems, take a look at our wide selection. For more information, or help with deciding the right gutter system for you (like copper gutters), get in touch with our expert team today.