Finding the Right Balance: How Often to Clean Your Gutters

If your home has a gutter system, you might understand the importance of keeping debris out to ensure that your roof and foundation don’t suffer unnecessary moisture damage. However, do you know how often to clean gutters? Likewise, are you aware of the best methods to clean them? Owning a gutter system requires routine maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

4 Reasons Why Do I Need To Clear Debris From Gutters

It is imperative to routinely clean a gutter system if you expect it to function correctly. Otherwise, the unfortunate homeowner will face challenges that could have been avoided.

• A Clogged Gutter May Open The Door To Water Leaking Into Your Home

Gutters exist to channel water from the roof to the ground. When a gutter system becomes clogged, water must find an alternative means to exit the roof. Unfortunately, water flows to wherever gravity dictates, including through the roof, siding, or foundation. Unclogging a gutter system ensures that water does not infiltrate the outer surface of a home.

• Collected Debris Could Cause The Gutter System To Malfunction

As debris packs into your gutter system, the channels and downspouts begin to bear down under the excess weight. Resultingly, the gutters face added pressure at the seams and joints. Every year, thousands of otherwise sound gutter systems are ruined (or fail to perform as designed) because debris accumulates and is not removed routinely.

• Excess Debris Can Create Substantial Damage To The Roofing System

If water cannot flow off the roof through the gutter system, it will dam onto the roof. Standing water collecting on the roof may cause roofing materials to deteriorate from persistent exposure to moisture. Consequently, the roofing system will age much more rapidly. Removing accumulated debris helps reduce or eliminate a catastrophic outcome.

• Debris-Filled Gutters Might Attract Pests, Including Rodents, Insects, & Birds

A clogged gutter is an open invitation for outdoor pests to nest. Excess debris consists of dirt, sticks, and leaves. Birds, insects, and rodents typically use these materials to form homes. Once they establish an abode in your gutters, these creatures may decide to invade your home further through other openings. Even tiny gaps provide a means of entry.

How Often Should I Clean Gutters?

Most roofing professionals recommend that homeowners have their gutters cleaned twice annually. Ideally, the gutter system would be scrubbed in spring and fall. If your property has unique circumstances (such as a large grove of tall trees or several pine trees), you may want to consider cleaning the gutters quarterly (i.e., once every three months).

What Are The Best Methods To Clean Gutters?

The recommended way to clean gutters involves a trained and certified professional gutter cleaning service. Accessing gutters safely often requires the homeowner to climb a ladder repeatedly. The risk of an accident should be an effective deterrent from doing the job yourself.

Hire A Pro Or Do-It-Yourself (DIY)

The decision between hiring a professional and making the gutter cleaning project a do-it-yourself (DIY) effort may come down to the following factors:

• Are there trees or other impediments adjacent to the roof?
• Are your gutters damaged or in some state of disrepair?
• Can you clean the gutters from ground level?
• Can you risk an accident or fall from a higher location?
• Do you have a health condition or other physical limitations?
• Do you possess the appropriate safety and gutter-cleaning equipment?
• Does your home have multiple above-ground stories?
• Does your roof have a complex layout with many angles?
• Is the roof pitch steep (or difficult to navigate)?
• Is the surrounding landscaping challenging to traverse?

Proceeding With A Gutter Cleaning Service

If you retain a gutter cleaning company, verify their qualifications first. Does the service provider possess the proper credentials to handle this responsibility? Do they have liability insurance (and other risk management coverage) to protect their workers and your property?

As part of your initial evaluation process, you should also ask the following questions: Will the gutter cleaning company employ particular safety protocols and utilize specific equipment to minimize the risk of an accident? Also, what cleaning agents do they use to remove clogs?

A few reputable roofing contractors will perform residential gutter cleaning services. Most do not, however. To vet gutter cleaning providers, conduct an online search and read reviews from previous customers (satisfied and otherwise) to understand better what to expect.

Who Can I Hire To Clean My Gutters Professionally?

If you reside in or around Charleston, SC, Trico Exteriors offers unsurpassed gutter cleaning services for homes and businesses. Our knowledge and experience ensure you receive exceptional service at a fair price. We regularly work with homeowners and property managers to address clogged drains, gutters, and downspouts. Our tools and equipment safely remove debris to guarantee the performance of your gutter system.

Contact Trico Exteriors today to learn more about our professional gutter cleaning services or to schedule an appointment to discuss your gutter cleaning needs.