Keeping your gutters clean and flowing freely protects your home from water damage and maximizes the life of your drainage system. But are you cleaning your rain gutter system often enough?
The unfortunate reality is that many homeowners neglect this critical maintenance task.
To protect your investment and keep your home in tip-top shape, the experts at Gutter Boys offer their pro tips on the optimal timeframes and methods for getting (and keeping) your gutters clean.
Why Do Your Gutters Become Clogged?
Although the answer might seem simple – leaves accumulate and prevent the free flow of rainwater and runoff – the situation is actually more complex than it appears on the surface.
Leaves and pine needles do build up, especially during dry periods. But other debris also accumulates, along with dirt, seeds, bird droppings, etc. When this collection of detritus is exposed to moisture, it begins to decay. Mold grows and, before long, those few leaves and pine needles are just a part of the gooey mass now clogging your gutters and downspouts.
In some cases, weeds and seedlings can start growing in that environment, and birds may even build their nests.
Although any raingutter system can clog, it’s more likely to occur if yours weren’t installed properly or if they lack the correct slope. If you have seamed (rather than seamless) gutters, the seams can create points of vulnerability, where leaves and debris are prone to getting stuck and accumulating.
What Is the Best Way to Clean Your Gutters?
In virtually every case, the best way to clean your gutters and downspouts is to call a professional. Not only does climbing around on a ladder or the roof pose a threat to your health and well-being, but few homeowners have the equipment to do the job right.
If you don’t have too many trees on your property, you can probably get away with cleaning your gutters twice a year, usually in the spring and fall. If you do have more than a couple trees growing nearby, you might have to call for gutter cleaning more often.
How to Reduce the Need to Have Gutters Cleaned
If you’re tired of the constant battle to keep your gutters and downspouts clean and flowing freely, consider installing gutter guards. A good guard system will prevent the accumulation of leaves, pine needles and debris while allowing rainwater and runoff from melting snow and ice to get where it needs to go.
Consider also having us evalute the condition of your existing gutters. If the design, installation methods or current condition are lacking, this can cause excess clogs and the inevitable property damage that results. Based in Sandy, Gutter Boys assists customers in the Salt Lake City metro area and throughout northern Utah. Contact us today to request a cost estimate or to schedule your professional Utah gutter cleaning appointment.
