Have you ever looked at your gutters and wondered ‘when should I clean them?’ It is a fairly common question that comes across the minds of many homeowners. And we want to let you know the answer and even more. Keep reading to find out.
Why is it Important to Clean My Gutters?
A house’s gutters let water drain to keep it sitting on your roof. It also catches debris, leaves and other items that may blow onto your home. Your gutters also help avoid water damage, freezing concerns and pest infestations. If you do not clean them, unfortunate events may happen.
What Can Happen If I Do Not Clean My Gutters?
If you do not maintain your gutters, then many negative things can happen. You may experience leaky gutters, mold, leaking roofs, leaking basements, cracks in the foundation, pest infestations and driveway and yard damage. Never let this happen to your home. Instead, properly maintain and clean them. If you need help checking to see if it is time for a cleaning, give us a call today.
How Often Should They Be Cleaned?
Typically, you need to clean your gutter twice a year (spring and fall). However, there are a few other instances where you will need to clean it more. If you recently went through a bad storm (hurricane, tornado or snowstorm), you should clean your gutters once the weather calms down or warms up. These weather conditions can bring in more leaves, branches and even pests. Trees like pine or eucalyptus can also increase your cleaning schedule since they shed their needles throughout the year. If you have these trees, clean your gutters once every three months.
When Should I Replace Them?
On average, gutters last about 20 years. So, your gutters should be good to go for a long time. If you move into a preowned home, call an inspector to check out the condition of your gutters before moving in. However, neglecting your gutters can drastically shorten their lifespan. Some of the common issues you may come across are rust, cracks, holes and other damage.
How Do You Clean Your Gutters?
Before heading up to your gutters, you will need to gather a few supplies: heavy-duty gloves, dust mask, ladder, garbage bags and a water hose. To clean your gutters, you will climb up your ladder, scoop up all the debris and place them in a garbage bag. After filling each bag, tie it up and dispose of it properly. Once you clear the area, you can then hose it down to make sure water goes down smoothly. Even though the process seems simple, it can be a tedious and tiring task. You can even harm yourself if you slip off the ladder. Never worry about overheating or falling by contacting your local home service contractor.
Are you looking for a contractor in Belleville, O’Fallon, Edwardsville or the surrounding areas? Then, you need to check out Valor Home Services. We have been helping people with all their handyman needs for over 20 years. For more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call today.
