How often should you clean your gutters?
Asking this question is your priority when preserving your home. After all, the average gutter will last between 20 and 50 years, depending on their material. They can last longer when you properly maintain them.
However, if you lack handyman skills, you might not know when to clean your home gutters. A good starting point is to read our guide and learn the best time for gutter cleaning:
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
Most professionals recommend inspecting and cleaning your gutters once or twice a year. The best seasons to do this are during spring and fall. It also depends on these factors:
- Gutter condition
- Presence of gutter screens and guards
- Trees and foliage near your roofing system
If you have tall trees nearby, do this task more frequently. For instance, having oak trees near your roof means cleaning at least twice a year. Never forget the downspouts since they might house more debris.
For pine trees, you must clean your gutters every three months. They are needle-shedding machines, allowing them to clog your gutters more often.
When you have a gutter protection system, you can get away with gutter cleaning once every year or so. Invest in micro-mesh gutter guards or screens for maximum protection.
Signs Your Gutters Need Cleaning
Aside from regular cleaning, inspect your residential gutters for these signs. If you see these, work with Far West since they offer professional gutter cleaning services.
Overflowing Rainwater
Your gutter system drains rainwater from the roof. It protects your roof and siding from excessive moisture. Otherwise, it would lead to wood rot and mold growth.
When leaves and debris clog your gutters, they become inept in controlling rainwater flow. The water build-up will overflow onto your siding, resulting in expensive repairs.
Saggy Gutters
When leaves and other debris gather in your gutters, water stops flowing. It can damage your gutters due to the weight of soggy leaves and water build-up. After all, its design does not support the extra weight.
A gallon of water weighs eight pounds. If you live in the rainiest cities in the United States, several gallons of water can gather in your gutters. It makes them sag or even fall off.
Standing Water Near Your Foundation
If you see pools of water near your home foundation, clean your gutters immediately. Otherwise, you risk water damage. It’s the last thing you want since it’s the base anchoring your home to the ground.
Start Cleaning Gutters Now!
We hope our guide answered the question, “how often should you clean your gutters?” Never let water damage your siding and foundation. Use these tips to determine when to call expert help.
However, your company choice determines the quality of the job. Look at online reviews and recommendations to discover the best one for your gutting cleaning needs.
Did you find this guide helpful? If so, consider exploring our other posts for more valuable tips today.