Homeowners rarely think about the gutter system on their homes, but they need to. Clean gutters ensure the home remains protected from the elements. However, a person may have questions about this process, and the following guide provides answers to many common questions related to cleaning the gutters.
Is It Necessary to Clean the Gutters?
Every gutter system needs regular cleaning. Debris accumulates in the gutters. When it does so, water cannot move away from the home. Moss, mold, and mildew may grow in the gutters, further impeding the flow of the water. Gutter Cleaning removes any debris, ensures the gutter system remains functional, and extends the lifespan of the gutter system.
Why Does This Debris Need to Be Removed?
Water can do significant damage to a home. The gutter system functions to remove rainwater from the roof of the home and move it to a location where it cannot do damage to the structure. When debris builds up in the gutters, the system cannot complete this task. It will back up and overflow. In addition, this water buildup could lead to the gutters pulling away from the home, which increases the risk of water damage.
What Signs Suggest the Gutters Need to Be Cleaned?
Homeowners must know what signs to look for that suggest the gutters need to be cleaned. If water flows over the top of the gutters, they are clogged to the point where water cannot move through the channel to the downspout and away from the home.
At times, a homeowner may be able to see debris in the gutters. This debris is visible even when the skies are clear. Leaves collecting in the gutter, plants growing from the gutter system, or a bird’s nest clearly visible from the street are all signs the gutters are clogged and need attention.
Irregular water flow from the downspouts is another sign the gutters are clogged. Water is making its way through the system, but it is encountering one or more blockages when doing so. Clean the gutters to eliminate this issue.
Holes in the gutter are a sign there is damage to the system. Many things can lead to holes or cracks in the gutter system. Cleaning the gutters may be enough to resolve the issue. However, some damage will lead to the need for repairs or replacement of the gutter system.
How Often Should the Gutters Be Cleaned?
Homeowners want to know how often they should have their gutters cleaned. This depends on many factors. However, the gutters should be cleaned a minimum of twice each year to remove any debris that has made its way into the system. The gutter cleanings should take place in early spring before the spring showers begin and again after the leaves fall in Autumn.
Why Should the Gutters Be Cleaned in Late Fall?
Debris may collect in the gutters during the winter months. When it does, ice and snow can lead to damage to the roof. If the gutters are clogged with leaves, the snow and ice remain on the roof.
Why Clean the Gutters Again in Early Spring?
If the gutters are clean during the winter months, why would they need to be cleaned again in early spring? This is a question many homeowners have. Seed pods from trees may collect in the gutter and cause a blockage. The same is true of flowers and pollen. The cost of a gutter cleaning is negligible when compared to the expense of fixing a damaged roof or gutter system, so it’s best to have the gutters cleaned in early spring.
Why Have the Gutters Cleaned?
Regular gutters cleanings help keep the cost of home ownership down. Repairing water damage caused by clogged gutters can be costly. By being proactive, you reduce or eliminate these expenses.
Shouldn’t the Roof Protect the Home from Rain?
While the roof of a home works to protect the interior from rainwater, any water that stands or pools on the roof can lead to damage to the shingles. They may crack, leak, or rot if the water isn’t removed. The gutters move this water away from the roof before it can do damage.
Won’t Gutter Guards Keep This Debris Out of the Gutter System?
Gutter guards help keep debris from making its way into the gutter system. However, the gutters still need annual inspections and cleaning to remove any debris that made its way into the system. During this cleaning, the technician also looks for any damage to the gutter system and other areas of concern, so they can be addressed promptly.
What Steps are Taken During a Gutter Cleaning?
When a technician visits the home to clean the gutters, they begin by hosing off the gutters to remove any loose debris. They then remove any remaining debris by hand and flush the gutters with water to clear any remaining items. At this time, they also flush the downspouts to ensure they are clear. Next, they inspect the gutter system to ensure it drains properly. The process isn’t finished until they check the soffit and fascia boards to ensure they have not been damaged by clogged gutters.
What is Done with the Debris Removed from the Gutters?
Nobody wants to deal with the debris that comes from gutters. It tends to be wet and slimy. When choosing a gutter cleaning provider, ask if they remove this debris or if that job falls to the homeowner. Many providers remove the debris before leaving the property, but not all do.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Cleaning the gutters may take a few hours. This depends on the size of the gutter system and the number of debris present in the gutters. Set aside a few hours for this task, at a minimum.
Many people don’t feel comfortable climbing up on a ladder to clean their gutters. They prefer to leave this task to trained professionals who have the equipment needed to do the job safely and correctly. It doesn’t matter who does this work as long as it gets done. The gutter system is too important to let this task remain undone.
