According to the National Center for Healthy Housing, it’s recommended that homeowners remove debris from their gutters and make an effort to clean them thoroughly at least twice a year. The most common times to perform this chore are in the spring and fall, mainly because of the influx of debris during these seasons. However, this won’t necessarily be the case for all homeowners.
To find out how often you should clean your gutters based on your location, keep reading this post from your Flower Mound gutter company.
How Often Should I Clean My Gutters?
While the rule of thumb is twice a year, the amount of times you should clean your gutters can vary on a few factors. For example, if you live in an area where natural debris is more common, you’ll want to check and clean your gutters more often. Alternatively, less deciduous areas will require far less cleaning. You’ll also want to take the weather into account, particularly if moisture is more common in your region.
Homeowners that live in a desert climate will probably only need to clean their gutters once a year, assuming there’s very little foliage and the chances of rain are slimmer. However, those who live in a more wooded area surrounded by trees, you may need to clean them three to four times a year.
Regarding weather, homeowners that experience frequent snow and ice will need to remove any ice dams that form inside their gutters. This should be checked every month throughout the fall, winter, and even spring seasons, depending on where you live. You may also want to hire a professional gutter cleaner if you fear you’ll slip while using a ladder.
Why Is This Necessary?
Failing to clean your gutters can result in many problems later, including:
- Water damage
- Loosened gutters
- Sagging gutters
- Ice dams
- Vermin
Water can easily affect the foundation of your home as well as the overall infrastructure. The weight of leaves, twigs, branches, and even vermin can cause gutters to sag, making them less effective and unsightly. Vermin like birds, squirrels, termites, ants, and other animals will flock to gutters that could be potential homes. To save money on replacement gutter systems or other expensive home improvements, make cleaning your gutters a regular chore.
What is Needed to Start Cleaning?
If you decide to clean your gutters yourself, you’ll need the following tools. They include:
- Gloves
- Dust mask
- Ladder and spotter
- Safety goggles
- Garden spade
- Bucket
- Garden hose
Some debris may be difficult to remove, especially if it’s large. You’ll also need to make sure you don’t damage your gutters accidentally in the process. If you fear that this project is too difficult, it’s worth it to call your gutter company in Flower Mound. They have the tools and expertise necessary to get the job done right the first time.
If you’re looking for a stress-free solution to gutter cleaning and repair, schedule a consultation with your gutter company today!
About Platinum Gutters
Platinum Gutters specifically caters to residential homes, which means their experts in gutter cleaning, installation, repair, and replacement. When you speak with their IdeaGuys, you’ll feel confident that your home is in good hands. To learn more about your Flower Mound gutter company or get a free estimate, contact them through their website.