If you do not have a ton of trees around your house, you might not think cleaning your gutters is important, and you may only truly consider cleaning them when you are hanging holiday lights. But, it is really important to clean your gutters twice a year—once in the late spring when everything has bloomed and again in the late fall when the leaves have dropped. Cleaning in late spring eliminates the possibility of additional gutter debris in case you encounter a summer storm. And cleaning in late fall prevents ice or frozen dams from forming in your gutters.
Regular maintenance will prevent costly repairs such as needing to replace a downspout or gutter due to sagging, and potential roof damage. Unclean gutters are harborage site for mold, mildew, and rot; which eventually causes structural damage to your home. And if gutters stay clogged for a long period of time it can become a home for critters like mice, insects, bird nests, bird mites, or spiders.
To clean gutters you will need:
- a stable ladder,
- gloves or a hand scoop to remove leaves and twigs,
- a hose to flush out remaining debris,
- and a scrub brush for potential grime and mildew spots.
As you are cleaning, it is a good idea to inspect:
- For possible cracks, rust, holes, and/or loose sections.
- Fasteners to make sure they are securely attached.
- Mold and mildew.
- The slope (pitch) to see if the water flows toward downspouts.
If you identify small leaks, you can use waterproof caulk to repair minor issues. And if your downspouts are flowing incorrectly, you will want to adjust, and ensure the water is flowing at least five feet away from the foundation.
Some homeowners do not feel comfortable on a ladder or may not have the time for this semi-annual chore. If that is you, it is important that you hire a handyman to help because neglecting the maintenance on your gutter will end up resulting in an expensive repair in the future.