Ask yourself if you’ve ever cleaned your gutter in the last six to twelve months. We can bet that the answer is resounding “Nope!”
Don’t fret – you’re not alone.
Gutters aren’t exactly in everybody’s to-do list when it comes to cleaning. It’s the type of thing that matches the adage, “Out of sight, out of mind” and indeed the gutter is definitely a part of your home that you don’t really see or pay attention to.
However, homeowners will come to realise that gutters play a major role in keeping the integrity of the interior and exterior of your home intact. It is therefore important to maintain your gutters by cleaning them.
How often should I clean my gutters?
Experts agree that fall and spring are the best times of the year to do some gutter cleaning. Aside from the weather being pleasantly cool for some outdoor activities, fallen leaves and other debris tend to get stuck in the gutters during this time of the year especially if your or your neighbour’s yard is full of trees.
Fallen leaves can wreak havoc on your gutters and you might have to clean them more often than just during spring and fall. Once every three to four months is a good schedule to follow.
It isn’t just leaves that can get stuck up there — honeycombs can grow in gutters too! There is also the possibility of rodents and pests setting up camp in your gutters. These are reasons that you should check your gutters much more regularly than usual, especially since rodents and other pests aren’t very picky about seasonal changes.
Leaf guards can be a huge help
Make use of leaf guards for the overall maintenance of your gutters but keep in mind that these are not meant to take the place of regular gutter cleaning.
Gutters guards basically cover the gutters from fallen leaves but it won’t keep them all out. About 20% of fallen leaves will still be able to get into your gutter so it is still strongly recommended to keep a cleaning schedule.
The quality of your gutter guards also play a huge role in its effectiveness. Go for ones that come from reputable suppliers or brands and make sure to buy guards that fit your gutters perfectly. The material should be durable enough to hold the weight of the leaves and while you think that they are “light enough”, they can be quite heavy as a whole, most especially when they are wet.
Should I do it myself or hire a professional?
Most dads like to take pride in their work around the home. Most handyman projects can be done by dad but when it comes to gutter cleaning, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
It can be a hazardous task that can cause serious injury if your ladder isn’t stable or strong enough to support you. You may also be doing something that can cause damage to your gutters if you have no knowledge of what you’re about to undertake.
Professionals have years of experience and knowledge. Not only will they be doing a very good job, they’ll also do other tasks such as downspout cleaning. You can also have them install gutter guards. Gutter replacement services are available in your are should the need arise.
They may cost quite a bit of money but it is always a worthy investment for your home. These are expenses you should be taking into account from now on so you have peace of mind. Home maintenance is never a laughing matter and it can cost you precious dollars in the long run if you don’t have preventative measures put in place.
