Gutter cleaning is an essential part of keeping your roof in good shape. Your gutter’s primary function is to carry rainwater and debris away from your roof. However, gutter cleaning can be easily overlooked. Homeowners tend to procrastinate on this task since its effects cannot be seen until the damage is already there. Here’s why gutter maintenance is important and how often you should do it.

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

It’s recommended that gutter cleaning be done at least twice a year. The best times to do it are late springtime and late summer or fall. However, there are a few factors to determine how often you should do gutter maintenance.

If your house is surrounded by trees, inspect your roof and gutters more often. If you live in an elevated area, gutter blockage due to ice build-up will be your problem during winter. Also, living in a place where heavy rain and storms are a common occurrence affects the frequency of your gutter cleaning.

How Should You Clean Your Gutters?

Cleaning gutters can be done by yourself, or you can hire a professional gutter cleaner. If you plan to do it yourself, it’s better to wear protective equipment while you remove the leaves, dirt, and debris from the gutter. Use a ladder instead of standing on the roof to prevent yourself from slipping and falling off. It’s also best if you have a friend to help you in the cleaning process.

Another option is to have leaf guards installed on your gutters beforehand. This prevents debris buildup from leaves and keeps your gutters flowing freely for years to come. Most companies will clean your gutters before installing leaf guards.

Why Should You Clean Your Gutters?

Since the gutter’s job is to direct debris and rainwater away from your roof, keeping it clogged up and dirty hinders water flow. If left unattended, it will lead to leakage and roof damage. Water collects in the gutters and potentially overflows. Then, excess rainwater soaks through your shingles, softens them, and leaks into your home. There’s also the potential danger of mold build-up that can ruin your home.

Cleaning your gutters can be time-consuming, but it’s a necessary process. If you ever need help with your roof or gutters, contact Plumlee Construction today. Our tried and tested roof and gutter services are secured by our lifetime warranty.