Many people underestimate the importance of keeping their gutters clean. A common myth is that guttering only needs to be cleaned if there are nearby trees. Even if there are no trees around, wind can easily carry dirt, leaves, and twigs into your guttering. That material can fill the guttering and clog the downspout causing an overflow right at the foundation of your home. Just because you can’t see debris in your guttering from the ground, doesn’t mean its not getting clogged.
Is Cleaning Guttering Necessary?
Yes, it is. The problems caused by leaving your gutters unattended for a long time can be more than just a leaking roof. The dirty water that pooled on your gutters is an ideal environment for flies and mosquitoes to bread in. You also put your house at risk, since clogged gutters will force the water to overflow right next to your foundation wall and either can breach your basement or soak into wood joists and rot them. The moister in the wall is helping mold to grow in the summer and creates ice in the winter. All these factors create health risks and major home repairs if left untreated.
What Should I Do?
First, grab a ladder and climb to your roof. Do a quick inspection of your gutters. You don’t have to be on top of the roof to do this. Just be high enough to see the inside and notice any nook and crannies. Keep this image in your head for when you are about to clean the gutters, you know which corner requires more cleaning.
Next is to clean the gutter. Since it can be physically taxing, you need to be fit enough to clean the gutter yourself, get tools so you can clean them from the ground, or call a professional to do it for you. A professional can cost between $150-500, depending on the building’s height. If your house is more than two stories tall, then you should be ready for some extra cost.
An alternative is to do it yourself. There are a plethora of gutter cleaning tools available online and in your local store. If you don’t have time or means to look for a specific gutter cleaning tool, you can use household tools that you already have at home.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
It is advised that you clean your gutters twice a year, in the late spring and late summer or fall, depending on your location. If you live on a mountainside, then you should add frequency and clean it more often. Making sure that your gutter is clean before and during the winter is indeed troublesome, but it’s still cheaper than repairing an ice-damaged roof.
It seems like a simple task to do, but keeping the gutters clean can go a long way in preserving your homes foundation and walls.