How often should I clean my gutters? Knowing the answer to this question as a homeowner or business owner is extremely important. Even with a lot on your plate, it can be easy to procrastinate even small tasks. While some tasks may not seem significant to you, they are still important to complete. Gutters should be cleaned twice a year, and there are many reasons why.
The Importance of Cleaning Gutters Twice a Year
How important is it to clean my gutters? This is probably another question you may want to ask when it comes to keeping your gutters clean. Keep in mind that gutter guards are a great option to keep them clean, but you will still need to ensure that they are maintained. Here are several reasons why.
Keeps Foundation Protected
One of the most important functions of gutters is to direct water runoff. Cleaning and inspecting your gutters on a regular basis ensures that water flows away properly from the building. If water is drained from the roof but forms pools around your building, this can cause damage to your foundation or even flooding. Inspecting and cleaning your gutters twice each year ensures that your gutters are doing their job.
Prevent Roof Collapse
Gutters that are not properly cleared during fall can collect debris, such as leaves, which can lead to structural issues in the future. Once winter begins, snow will accumulate on your roof, while the clogged gutters act like a plug in a bathtub that stops anything from going down them.
It is important to monitor your roof throughout the winter, but you must first ensure that you clear your gutters so they can drain properly. If not, you risk causing damage to your ceiling.
Keep Pests Away
Do I need to clean my gutters regularly? Twice a year is enough because you can avoid pests. In late fall and early spring, if your gutters are full of debris, it may pose the perfect environment for rodents and bugs. Cleaning your gutters at least twice each year prevents your home or business from becoming a breeding ground for these pests.
Reduces Fire Hazards
When debris from trees ends up in your gutters and dries up, it can become combustible. If embers ignite that debris, it could cause your roofing or ceiling to become exposed or lead to serious damage. Even though this is an uncommon situation, it is easy to prevent.
Final Thoughts
One of the easiest ways to protect your gutters is by cleaning them and investing in a guard. Neglecting to clean them can cause damage and even reduce their lifespan. Gutters are expensive to replace, but with routine checkups, you can save a lot of money. Remember, your gutters play a critical role in protecting your business and home. Proper maintenance is the easiest way to ensure they keep doing their job so you can do yours.