How Frequently To Get Your Gutters Cleaned
Gutters need to be cleaned regularly in order to keep them well maintained and to keep your home safe from water damage. Failing to clean them regularly will reduce the life of your gutters, which can lead to higher repair and replacement costs. This article will give you a good idea of the importance of Cleaning Gutters.
Most people generally think about cleaning their gutters once or twice a year. However, when and how often you should have cleaning work all depends on the risk factors surrounding your home that can cause the gutters to become blocked.
If you have deciduous trees such as oak trees surrounding your home, then you will likely need to get your gutters cleaned and inspected at least twice a year as a minimum. Nearby pine trees are also a concern as they do also drop their needles periodically, contrary to popular belief. If you live in a wooded area, or you have branches that actually overhang above your house, then it is recommended to have your gutters cleaned on a quarterly basis.
The majority of debris that builds up around the gutters is due to leaves and twigs. Even if you do not have tree branches directly above your home, leaves can still make their way into your guttering, blown by the wind.
Gutters also can get clogged by falling moss from the roof. The more moss on the roof the more likely the gutters get filled with dead moss. Regular gutter cleaning would be necessary then but also a roof cleaning would be a good solution to this issue.
The importance of regular cleaning
1. To protect your home from water damage. This is a big concern for homeowners as water damage can be extremely expensive. If it damage the gutters then water may be leak down the walls and could find its way into the property. Water that leaks onto the floor around the property can cause foundational problems if it is left for too long.
2. To prevent mould on or around your home forming and causing damage. When water is allowed to gather, mould tends to start growing. Even once cleaned up, the mould will come back if the causative factor, i.e., a blocked gutter is not put right.
3. To avoid the build-up of stagnant water, which can cause any debris within the guttering to rot. When this happens, an unpleasant odour can start to emit from the guttering.
4. To avoid costly repair bills for repairing or replacing your gutters. Lack of cleaning and attention to the guttering will reduce the life of the gutters and can cause damage that will need to addressed in order to keep them functioning efficiently.
