Gutters are an important component of your home's well-being. They regulate the flow of rainwater to protect your roof, walls, foundation, and landscape by keeping it away from your property.

If neglected, gutters can turn from a necessity to a nightmare, experts say. A gutter clogged with leaves, sticks and debris can cause water damage to the interior or exterior of your home from a leaky roof. Contractors also warn that gunked-up gutters make cozy homes for pests, rodents, mold and honeycombs resulting from bee infestations.

Gutter cleaning may seem like a small task, but if you let it go too long, it can end up costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

"Homes with well-maintained gutters are less likely to experience issues such as insect and rodent infestations."

How frequently should they be cleaned?

It all depends on where you live and, most significantly, the number of trees in your yard. Spring and fall cleaning is recommended by many experts.

“I suggest phoning me in the fall when all of your leaves have fallen or are about to,” he adds. “Maple trees create those little helicopters that zip around your yard and into your gutters during the spring.”

A professional cleaning of your downspouts is paramount; a clogged downspout inhibits the natural drainage of rainwater, which can lead to damaging overflow and backup.

The frequency of which you should clean your gutters depends on both the type and quantity of leaves in your area.

According to him, pruning should be done every four months, depending on the climate of the tree. “In an environment where leaves fall all year-round, you can’t wait until the last leaf falls," he says.

DIRT FROM THE GUTTER COVERS IS REDUCED

Leaf guards significantly reduce the amount of gutter cleaning required, but they don't entirely eliminate it.

The length of time needed between gutter maintenance appointments will increase if you have covers or screens, and also depends on the quality of the cover as well as the types and number of trees in your yard. Generally speaking, without gutters covers or screeners, you'll need to Maintenance every four to six months, but with them Gutters may only require upkeep every one to three years.

Even if you have gutter covers, it’s still a good idea to inspect them annually.

Although a guard may catch some of the debris, they are not foolproof; "up to 15-20% percent can still get in." Also, once the job is done you then have to remove theguard, which sometimes requires professional help.

If you want to minimize gutter cleaning, it's critical to buy high-quality covers and screens.

"Choose a product that is durable and can accommodate the size of your trees."

SHOULD YOU DO THE JOB BY YOURSELF OR SHOULD YOU HIRE SOMEONE?

Although many homeowners choose to clean their own gutters, it can pose a significant safety risk. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, falls from ladders caused over 240,000 Americans to seek hospital care in 2009 (the most recent year available).

Always check the ladder for damage before using it. Before climbing a ladder, make sure it is sturdy and that all of the steps are in good condition. To see if the ground is level, climb up to the first two steps. Place plywood beneath the ladder's legs if the soil is soft. You should also avoid resting the ladder on the gutter bars themselves because additional weight may cause them to collapse.

A professional needs to take away all grime and waste from the roof, rain gutters, and drains while examining and repairing any detached gutter nails.

Gutter cleaning is an important aspect of house maintenance that must be done on a regular basis. Gutter cleaning not only helps to avoid water damage to your property, but it also aids in the proper maintenance of the gutters themselves, allowing them to function effectively. If you're not sure how to clean your gutters or don't have the time to do it yourself, give us a call now! We provide cost-effective gutter cleaning services that will take care of everything for you.

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