Rain gutters are an essential part of any roofing system. And every year, the savvy homeowner will participate in gutter cleaning, making sure that all leaves and other debris are cleared out. This ensures that the gutters are working as they should, and doing their job to protect your home.
If you’re wondering how to tell when it’s time to clean your gutters, and why this is even important, you’re in the right place! Elite Exteriors is here to tell you everything you need to know about maintaining your gutters for a healthy and long-lasting roof. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about gutter cleaning including why it’s important, how often they should be cleaned, and more!
Table of Contents
– Why is Gutter Cleaning Important?
– Rotting Wood
– Gutter Damage
– Mold and Mildew
– Foundation Damage
– Gutter Cleaning Frequency
– Should I Clean My Own Gutters?
– How Can a Contractor Help with My Gutters?
Why is Gutter Cleaning Important?
As previously mentioned, gutters are a vital part of any roofing system. They control where water goes after it leaves your roof, protecting your home’s landscaping, siding, and foundation in the process. However, when your gutters are full of debris and clogged, that water has nowhere to go.
This can cause a variety of problems, and expensive ones at that. This is why gutter cleaning is so important, because it can save you from some expensive repairs down the road. Below are just a few of the most common problems associated with gutters that are full of debris.
Rotting Wood
When it comes to gutter cleaning, most people don’t even consider the impact that it has on your roof. Clogged gutters can lead to rotting wood, as the water that overflows can rot your roof’s decking. It can also cause the wood around your windows to rot at a more accelerated rate. Even further, if left untreated, the moisture can attract termites, insects, and other unwanted critters.
Gutter Damage
Without gutter cleaning, your gutters will store all of the debris that is collected over time. This can cause your gutters to pull away from your home, as they have become too heavy for the hangers to hold. This creates a gap for water to soak the exterior of your home, which can eventually seep into the interior of your home. And if left untreated, the gutters may eventually pull completely away, and the damage caused by this can be costly to repair.
Mold and Mildew
If you’re not participating in regular gutter cleaning, the debris in your gutter may stay moist. This can lead to mold and mildew forming, and not just in the gutters and downspouts. If left untreated, the mold and mildew can spread to your walls and ceilings. Not only is this unsightly and a pain to clean, it can also be a health hazard for anyone in the home.
Foundation Damage
When your gutters are clogged, water overflows and runs down the sides of your home, washing out the area around your foundation. Over time, this can lead to cracks in the foundation of your home, compromising the structure and integrity of your home in its entirety. Not only that, it can cause staining to the sidings of your home, and anywhere else where the water is overflowing.
As you can see, a lack of regular gutter cleaning can be a huge detriment to your roof and your home. And while all of these problems take time to develop, leaving your gutters full of debris can lead to costly repairs in the future. Cleaning out your gutters and performing regular roof maintenance is a great way to catch small problems before they become big ones, and maximize your roof’s lifespan.
Gutter Cleaning Frequency
Homeowner clearing leaves out of their gutter system
Speaking of regular gutter cleanings, you may be wondering how often they should be cleaned out. We highly recommend that gutter cleaning take place at least once or twice a year.
The best time to do this is late in the fall after all of the leaves have fallen, as well as late spring. Gutter cleaning should always be a part of your regular roof maintenance routine.
Should I Clean My Own Gutters?
Now that you know the importance of gutter cleaning and how often they should be cleaned out, you’re probably ready to get to it. Of course, any homeowner can clean their own gutters, but we highly recommend leaving it to the professionals. A reputable roofing contractor will be able to take care of this for you with ease, without you ever having to step on a ladder.
Cleaning gutters yourself will save you some money, but you’re also taking a safety risk every time you step on a ladder. Being on a ladder can be dangerous, especially if you’re not used to being on one. This is when the job is best left to a roofing contractor with experience.
With that being said, if you do decide to handle the gutter cleaning yourself, you will want to make sure that your ladder is in good working condition and safe to use. You will also want to be sure that none of the ladder rungs are cracked, and that it’s used on a surface that’s firm and level. Last but not least, do not place your ladder against the gutters themselves, as it may crush or damage them.
How Can a Contractor Help with My Gutters?
First and foremost, if you’re uncomfortable with a ladder, hire a roofing contractor to take care of gutter cleanings for you. Roofing contractors have a ton of experience when it comes to gutters, from cleaning to installation. In fact, roofing contractors can help in quite a few ways when it comes to your gutters, including the following:
– Inspect your gutters for potential problems
– Clean your gutters as part of annual roof maintenance
– Repair roof leaks associated with gutters
– Install gutters and gutter accessories, like gutter guards
And they also provide peace of mind. Hiring a vetted roofing contractor to do the job ensures that it’s getting done right. Not only that, their experience gives them the eye to spot any potential problems with your gutters or roof, which could save you money down the road. It takes you out of a potentially dangerous situation, as well, and removes the stress of having to get on a ladder and do the job yourself.
—
As you can now see, gutter cleaning is extremely important for the health and longevity of your roof. It can protect your roof and home from damage, and potentially save you money in the long term. This should always be a part of your annual roof maintenance routine, and a professional roofer that you trust can easily take care of this for you.
Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier residential and commercial resource for unparalleled service, superior craftsmanship and incomparable quality; and it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty. We would be honored to help you with your roofing needs, and to answer any questions you may have when it comes to your roof. We also offer FREE initial consultations and inspections, and for more information, give us a call today at 470-350-3024, or fill out our online form.