Gutter cleaning is an important home maintenance task that very few people look forward to. If not performed routinely and correctly, the functionality and efficiency of your gutter system can be extremely reduced or majorly damaged. Aside from scheduling and performing routine seasonal cleaning; homeowners should remain aware throughout the year of additional risk factors that lead to gutter buildup and clogged gutters.
There is no specific rule as to when you should clean your gutters and your specific cleaning routine often depends on factors such as the climate and how many trees are located nearby. A good rule of thumb is a minimum of one to two times per year. This is especially important during the spring and fall months when leaves and debris are most present and upcoming seasonal moisture threats become the heaviest.
Below are several general factors to be taken into consideration when planning your gutter cleaning throughout the year:
Is your home surrounded by trees and foliage?
If so, keep in mind that your gutters will likely require more frequent cleaning. This may be more than twice a year, especially if you reside in a rainy or windy climate.
Is there a lot of construction and development in your area?
Extra dust and debris added to the natural collection of foliage in your gutters will require more frequent maintenance.
How’s the weather?
For instance, climates such as Michigan that experience extreme temperatures, strong winds, and frequent snow and rainfall need to check rain gutters often.
The primary goal of routine gutter cleaning is to reduce buildup and avoid damage to your home.
Causes of Gutter Buildup
Gutter buildup is primarily caused by leaves, debris, pine needles, and small branches. When weighed down by moisture, these elements become heavy and cause strain on the joints of traditional gutters. The severity of this buildup can be more or less severe depending on your location. It is important to note that gutters can expand or contract causing significant wear on the joints when buildup is not routinely removed.
Gutter Buildup and Clogged Gutter Problems
Neglecting the care of your gutters can lead to major problems with both the exterior and interior of your home. Below is a list of the most common problems associated with gutter buildup and clogged gutters:
Water Damage: Without proper drainage, water can collect in gutters and leak into the walls and foundation of your home. If the gutter buildup and clogged gutter aren’t addressed and fixed as soon as possible, the seepage can create structural issues and cause significant water damage. This type of water damage may significantly affect the value of your home.
Foundation Problems: When gutters are properly maintained and kept free of debris and clogs, they succeed in directing water away from your home. However, if regular gutter cleaning is not performed, excess water can build up with nowhere to go. This often leads to the water going towards the home’s foundation; causing cracks, erosion, and ultimately contributes to the settlement of your foundation.
Pest Infestations: Like any water that has limited drainage, stagnant water is a haven for mosquitos, gnats, and other insects. Also, if there is excess debris in your gutters, birds and rodents may choose to build nests in the gutter, creating additional debris and stress on the gutter system.
Gutter Cleaning Options
The good news about cleaning gutters is that it is easy to do yourself. With the exception of a ladder, specialty tools are not often needed. If you do choose to clean your own gutters- remember safety first! It’s a good idea to wear gloves and safety goggles or glasses. The sticks and debris located in your gutters can be sharp and cause cuts, punctures under the nails, and, of course, slivers.
After taking the necessary safety precautions, it’s time to start cleaning.
First, Dig it Out: Use your (gloved) hands to start pushing the debris out. Take care when pushing the debris up the side of the gutter to avoid bending and straining the gutter material.
Then, Flush it Out: Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle (or just your thumb) to create a pressurized stream to push out as much leftover mud, sludge, and small debris as you can. Use the water to completely flush out the system and ensure the downspouts are clear as well.
Finally, Inspect The Gutters: During the cleaning process, check the gutters for gaps against the house, ensure screws are tight, and reseal any areas that look weak.
Your best option for a worry-free gutter cleaning experience is keeping up with regularly scheduled maintenance. Make cleaning your gutters and checking your gutter joints a part of your overall home maintenance routine.
The second gutter cleaning option is to hire a professional team to clean your gutters. If the annual or semi-annual gutter cleaning maintenance is a chore that you don’t wish to perform, our skillfully trained professionals at One Way Exteriors, a Ludington seamless gutter company can take the worry out of your seasonal gutter cleaning. During professional gutter cleanings, we not only clean debris from gutters but also inspect and check for any maintenance and repair problems that may need to be addressed to avoid a major gutter repair or replacement.
In summary, the frequency and seasonality of gutter cleaning may vary based on several factors unique to the region you reside. To avoid problems from gutter buildup or clogged gutters, it is important to keep an eye on your gutter system throughout the year and plan a routine cleaning 1-2 times per year. Gutter Cleaning is not a difficult task but it may be a task that you choose to hire a professional to perform for you on a routine schedule. Hiring a professional helps avoid any damage to your home and monitors your gutter system for any repairs needed.
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