Gutter maintenance is a household task that is often overlooked. However, it is a very important task that can cause all kinds of issues if neglected. This post explores the reasons why you need to clean your gutters and how you can do this.
What happens if you don’t clean your gutter?
Gutters are designed to direct water runoff from your roof away from your home. In order for gutters to work properly, they need to be free of any leaves or debris that could disrupt the flow of water. Failing to remove leaves and debris from your gutters could lead to blockages forming. This can cause water to stop draining and instead spill over the sides. This can have all kinds of negative effects:
- Puddles could start accumulating all around your home
- Water could seep into the ground and cause damage to the foundations
- Rainwater could end up dripping down the sides of your property and causing damage
- Stagnant water in your gutters could attract mosquitoes
- Water and leaves in your guttering could also freeze up, expand and cause the guttering pipes to break
By keeping on top of gutter maintenance, you can prevent all of this.
How often should you clean your gutter?
Ideally, you should be cleaning your gutter at least once per year. The end of fall is a good time to clean your gutter as this will be after most of the leaves have fallen. If you live in an area surrounded by trees, you may need to clean your gutters twice to keep on top of the build-up of leaves. Some homeowners also like to clean their gutters in spring to remove any debris that may have accumulated over winter.
What is the best way to clean a gutter?
You can hire professionals to clean your gutter for you, or you can do it yourself. If you choose to do it yourself, you’ll first need a sturdy ladder that can allow you to reach the gutter. To remove leaves and debris from your gutter, you can use a scoop or simply use your hands (make sure to wear gloves if you do decide to do it by hand). It could also be worth taking a bucket to dispose of the leaves and debris. After all the leaves and debris have been removed, run a hose over the gutter to dislodge any remaining dirt. Specialist tools may be required if the downspout is blocked (in this case, it’s often better to hire a professional).
Are there any ways to reduce gutter maintenance?
Installing gutter guards can be a great way to reduce gutter maintenance. These are grills or nets that let in water while keeping out leaves and debris. Of course, these gutter guards may eventually become clogged, so you will still need to clean them occasionally. Fortunately, you shouldn’t have to do it too often.
Conclusion
As this post explains, gutter maintenance is important for protecting your home from damage. Gutters should be cleaned annually – this is a job you can do yourself or outsource to a professional. Installing a gutter guard could help to reduce gutter maintenance.
Featured Image From Pixabay. CCO Licensed.
