How Often Should You Clean Your Guttering?

Importance of Gutter Cleaning

The guttering on your home plays a key role in preventing water damage and keeping your house safe from the elements. The gutters direct rain and melting snow away from your roof and walls, which prevents water from settling in places where it can cause dampness and rot. Therefore, regular gutter cleaning is a must to ensure that your home has proper drainage and also looks aesthetically pleasing.

Gutter cleaning isn't just essential for your house, but it can also help maintain the health of your family. Gutters are prone to collecting debris such as bird droppings, dead leaves, and even insects. If not cleaned out regularly, this material can start to decompose and increase the risk of mould growth. Inhaling these spores can cause respiratory problems and other illnesses.

By cleaning your gutters regularly, you can minimise the amount of material that collects in them and reduce the risk of subsequent health issues. Additionally, it will also help keep your home looking clean and tidy.

Cleansing your gutters doesn’t just protect your home from water damage but also helps to give your home a clean and polished appearance which adds to its curb appeal.

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

Most people wonder how often they should be cleaning their gutters. Speaking in general terms, you should aim to clean your gutters once every three months. Of course, depending on the weather, the amount of tree coverage around your home, or other factors, this time frame might need to be adjusted.

Rain and Storms 
During heavy rain or storms, your gutter system can become clogged much more quickly than usual so having a quick check after a major storm is always a good idea. 

The Impact of Pests
Depending on the area you live in, you may also need to consider animals when assessing how regularly you should be cleaning your gutters. Common pests such as birds love to make their homes in gutters, and their nesting material can soon cause a blockage.

Cleaning your Gutter System 
It's important to remember that cleaning your gutters doesn’t just mean washing them down, but rather making sure they’re in the best condition possible. Doing so often means taking a look inside the gutter to ensure there’s no build-up of debris along the sides. This is why checking them every three months is the ideal way of maintaining their functionality.

If You Can’t Do It Yourself 
If you’re unable to clean your gutters yourself, it’s important to call in trained professionals who can carry out a thorough inspection of your guttering system. This could be a one-off clean or an annual service.

How do I know my gutters need cleaning?

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell when your gutters need cleaning, however, there are several signs to look out for that will help you identify when a gutter needs attention. One of the most obvious signs is if you see water running down the side of your house. This indicates that there is a blockage in your gutter that is causing water to overflow.  

You can also check the status of your gutters by looking around the outside of your house. If your gutter is clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris, then you will need to have them cleaned. If there are any visible cracks or holes, then this is another sign that you need to repair or replace the guttering system. Lastly, if the colour of the gutter has faded from the original, it is likely that the gutter has corroded and needs to be serviced. 

Best time to clean the gutter? 

When it comes to cleansing your gutter, it is important to choose the right time of year. The best time to clean your gutters is during the early spring and fall. These seasons are dryer, and you’re less likely to move debris into the gutter when cleaning. 

In the spring, it’s especially important to clean the gutters as the thawing snow and rainwater can be very damaging if not directed away from the house. If any leaves have fallen onto the roof during winter, it’s important to remove these to prevent them from blocking the gutters. 

Cleaning your gutters during the fall is also important, as the leaves and debris will continue to collect in the gutters throughout the winter. 

The effects of not cleaning gutters 

If your gutters aren’t cleaned regularly, then this can lead to a variety of problems. Firstly, debris will start to accumulate and clog the gutters, which will put a strain on the walls and foundation of the property as water seeps from the gutter to the base of the house. This could result in severe structural damage over time. 

Your gutters can also start to rust or corrode if they are blocked, as the trapped water can cause them to deteriorate. This corrosion can spread to other parts of your home and create further problems. 

Finally, and most concerningly, having blocked gutters can become a breeding ground for a variety of pests and disease-causing organisms.