Yes, we know, gutter cleaning sucks, but it shouldn't be overlooked. Unfortunately, many homeowners wait until the end of fall before even considering gutter cleaning and this can be a big mistake. It may only take a few leaves or a small handful of pine needles to create a blockage that keeps water from flowing through your downspout.
When the water has nowhere to go, it will spill over the sides of the gutters and onto the ground by your foundation. It can also be wicked up by your fascia boards and lead to issues like foundation damage, roof damage, a flooded basement, and stained siding. Many homeowners don't realize that clogged gutters are a common cause of roof, foundation, and water damage.
Here's how to clean your gutters -- and how often it needs to be done.
How to Clean Your Gutters
There are many ways to remove debris from your gutters, depending on which system works best for you. If the debris is mostly dry, you can use a shop vac with a long hose and attachment to remove leaves and twigs. You can also use a spray nozzle and hose to flush debris. Some homeowners prefer the old-fashioned method of removing debris by hand.
If you choose to clean your own gutters, take care. Gutter cleaning can be hazardous and it's a common cause of injuries and accidents, most of them involving falls from ladders. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, ladder accidents are responsible for over 240,000 emergency room visits every year.
Semiannual Gutter Cleaning Is Recommended
Cleaning your gutters once a year isn't enough to ensure they are free of debris. It's best to schedule gutter cleaning for twice a year: in the spring and again in the fall. To help you remember, the gutters should be cleaned every time you reset the clocks for Daylight Savings Time or replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.
While many homes benefit from twice-a-year cleaning, you may need to have your gutters cleaned more frequently, depending on the conditions around your home. Your gutters should be cleaned more than twice a year if:
- A severe storm has blown leaves and twigs onto your roof
- You have pine trees. Pine trees shed a lot of needles that can clog gutters just as easily as leaves.
- You have trees with branches that hang over the gutters or roof.
- Your home is downhill from other buildings and debris is blown onto your roof easily.
Professional Gutter Cleaning
- You have a heavily wooded property.
If you aren't comfortable working above your head on a ladder, or you prefer to skip the exhausting task of cleaning out the gutters, we can help. Idaho Premier Window Cleaning offers affordable gutter cleaning beginning at just $1 per linear foot. Our service includes a full cleaning of your entire gutter system and a check of your downspouts from the ground up to ensure proper water flow. Contact us today for a same-day quote for your home.
