When you think about your home's essential parts, you probably do not think about your gutters. However, gutters are far more critical than you realize. Eavestroughs run along the roof of your home, catching water as it runs off the shingles and directing it to drain pipes along the side, allowing water to flow away from your home instead of pooling by the foundation. Given this critical function, your gutters must be clean and unobstructed. Keep reading to find out just how often you should clean your gutters each year.
Get Gutter Cleaning in the Fall
The most common time people remember to check their gutters is in the fall. In the autumn, leaves are actively falling, which can quickly lead to accumulation in the gutters. Having leaves and other debris in your gutters before the winter can be especially problematic. If snow falls and ice builds up, those blocked gutters can quickly cause ice dams, which can cause water to pool on your roof, and such a condition can lead to leaks on your roof. This reason is why gutter cleaning should be an essential fall activity. It should be a necessary step to winterize your home. Doing this activity in the fall can preempt potential problems. It is also far safer to check your gutters in the fall. In the winter, snow and ice can make it impossible to access your roof and gutters for a sufficient check and clean.
Clean Your Gutters in the Spring
While a fall clean is essential, experts also recommend a second gutter cleaning in the spring, which is because winter can really take a toll on your home. The ice and snow can lead to all sorts of problems, and you may have developed gutter blockages without realizing it. If you clean your gutters in the spring, you can be sure that your home will be able to withstand the spring and summer rains. Given that rain accumulation tends to spike in the spring, it is the perfect time to make sure that all the parts of your roof and gutters are in good working order.
Invest in Regular Cleaning If You Have a Lot of Foliage
A fall and spring cleaning are standard recommendations for all homeowners. However, there may be some situations that warrant more care and attention. If a lot of foliage surrounds your home, then you probably want to think about more regular gutter cleanings. Specifically, if you live in an area with a lot of trees that lose their leaves, cleaning out your gutters is often highly beneficial. For example, sycamore or oak trees have broad leaves that fall each year. They can quickly clog your gutters, and they can cause lots of problems for proper water flow around your property. To provide sufficient protection, you should address clogs several times throughout the year.
Check Your Gutters After a Big Storm
Another time when it is probably a good idea to clean your gutters is after a big storm. Storms with lots of wind and rain can cause two problems. First, the wind will blow debris from trees onto your roof. Second, the rain can wash loose items on your roof into the gutters in a rapid fashion. When these two situations are combined, the results can be disastrous for your home. As your eavestroughs are overloaded, water will start spilling everywhere. Therefore, take the time to inspect your gutters after a storm sweeps through the area.
Try Cleaning Your Gutters If You Notice Leaks
You should be aware of how well your gutters are working. Take the time to watch them at work. If you notice that things are starting to leak or drip in unexpected places, you should do further inspection. You may also see this in the winter. If icicles are forming in unexpected places, then your gutters could be clogged. Whenever you notice such leaks, take the time to follow up. You should never let gutter problems go unattended. Ultimately, regular gutter cleanings can prevent more significant issues down the road.
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