Though we all understand that it’s super important for a home or commercial building to have gutters that are in good condition and work well, it’s easy to forget about keeping those gutters clean. After all, they’re usually situated high up and out of our line of sight, so they aren’t the first thing we think about when considering building maintenance.
But that could be a major mistake! Gutters are an important part of any home, office, or other structure, because they control the flow of rainwater and protect the building’s foundation, walls, and roof. Good working gutters also protect your landscaping and keep it looking as it should. As a matter of fact, untended gutters can wind up costing you thousands – or more – to repair water-caused damages.
So, it’s easy to understand that while all of this is out of sight, it shouldn’t be out of mind!
How do gutters become clogged?
You don’t need to have a yard full of trees for your gutters to become clogged. While it’s true that the more trees you have the more often you may need to clean your gutters, debris can easily travel from other locations to clog your gutters. The wind brings leaves, sticks, and other debris to your property where it becomes lodged in your gutters, prohibiting water flow.
But this kind of debris isn’t the only thing that clogs up your gutters. Gutters that aren’t cleared on a regular basis can become homes for creatures you’d probably rather not have near your home. Rodents love gutters as do other kinds of pests. Gutters are prime spots for honeycombs and bee infestations, too.
In addition, uncleaned gutters are more likely to become covered with mold, which is unhealthy for you, your family, and your pets.
How often should gutters be cleaned?
There are a number of factors that determine how often you need to hire someone to make sure your gutters are free of debris as well as critters who’ve made their homes there. While there is no hard-and-fast rule as to when gutters should be cleaned, most will suggest at least twice a year – likely in the spring and in the fall – though if your property is on a vacant lot, once per year may be sufficient.
Indeed, fall – or post-fall – tends to be the most important time for gutter cleaning. When your trees shed their leaves, many will wind up in your gutters, where they could wreak havoc. But wait until they’re all down or almost down before you make that call or you may be having your gutters cleared twice in just a matter of weeks if you do it too early.
There is plenty of debris that floats through the air in spring as well, which tends to be a bit of a windy season. If you have your gutters cleaned in the spring, you’ll find petals from certain flowering trees, those “helicopter” things from your favorite maple tree, and no doubt some insects and rodents who’ve made themselves comfortable there.
Make sure your downspouts are cleaned as well because a clogged downspout – despite clean gutters – could cause lots of trouble.
Can I do it myself?
In a recent article on their website, OHS Canada indicates that about 1,000 people are injured in ladder accidents each and every day and about one-tenth of those individuals become permanently disabled as a result of a fall from a ladder.
While climbing a ladder is something we’ve likely all done sometime during our lives, climbing to a fairly high elevation AND trying to clean your gutters at the same time – something we’re not experts at doing – can result in injury as well as a job not very well done. So, it’s best to leave gutter cleaning to the experts.
At Advantage Gutters, we have the tools necessary to clean your gutters and downpipes quickly and thoroughly, therefore eliminating any possibility of a dangerous fall. Our technicians are experienced at handling gutters on two-story homes and at other extreme heights and can also make repairs as needed. In addition, we can suggest ways to keep your gutters cleaner throughout the year, including the installation of gutter covers where appropriate.
For more information on our gutter cleaning services or to schedule a cleaning, contact Advantage Gutters toll-free at 1-877-888-1233.