Gutter Cleaning Importance
An often overlooked but very important aspect of maintaining your home is cleaning your gutters. Not only can leaves clog your drainage system but also branches, seeds and other debris that have built up throughout the year. But did you know that improper drainage can cause expensive home foundation and structural damage? Pools of water can sit in unwanted areas rather than flowing through the gutters and spouts and properly away from your home.
How Often Should Your Gutters be Cleaned?
It really depends on what your surrounding landscape looks like. A home in a wooded area should probably get checked every 3-4 months. For most homes though we recommend a fall cleaning after most of the leaves on your property have fallen. We also recommend a spring cleaning as well once the seeds and buds have descended from your trees.
Can You Clean Your Own Gutters?
Some owners choose to clean their own gutters but it’s probably better to leave it to a professional. Climbing ladders along your home can be risky business but knowing what repairs are needed is something that an expert will know more about. A professional is going to insure that if there are any repairs needed that they are made. While using a professional to clean your gutters is fairly cheap, installing a new drainage system is not.
When is it necessary to replace my gutters?
From a visual standpoint if you start seeing paint peeling, mold build up or any structural damage to the gutter itself it is probably a good time to replace it. If you notice any broken or sagging hangings you should definitely replace them. You will want to replace your gutters before the winter months as snow and ice buildup can cause the gutters to break or bend which can eventually lead to leakage and home damage. This can cause harm to the fascia boards allowing water to enter into the home eventually leading to rot while also potentially providing an opening for animals to enter.
Another sign of gutter damage can be if your basement is damp or there are cracks in the foundation walls. This can be caused by leakage down the side of the home and running into the foundation in the basement. In the winter months the foundation can crack and cause significant damage.
