Gutters are a vital component of the drainage system of any home. They are designed to direct rainwater away from the roof and foundation to prevent causing damage and to render the building stable and dry. However, most homeowners barely notice cleaning gutters regularly. Gutter cleaning should not be in your to-do list, but neglecting to do so may cause repairs too expensive and additionally damage inflicted upon your property down the road. Thus, the question that’s been around for centuries is — how often must gutters be cleaned?
Analyzing the Problem
Typically, gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year — fall and spring. Yet, the frequency will also depend on a number of conditions. For example, if your house has trees around it, particularly pine trees that drop needles throughout the year, you may have to clean your gutters every three to four months. In the same way, houses located in storm-prone zones may also have to be cleaned more frequently.
Keeping your gutters clean regularly prevents leaves, branches, and other obstructions from building up and stopping water from flowing. If your gutters are clogged with debris, rain will overflow and damage your roof, siding, foundation, and lawn. By maintaining regular gutter cleaning, you can avoid these problems and spare yourself headaches, time, and money in the long run.
What happens when you don’t clean your gutters?
If you do not clean your gutters, it can result in a chain reaction of issues — some of which become horribly serious. This is what could happen to you if you forget gutter cleaning:
1. Water Damage to Your House
Blocked gutters hold water. When water gets too much to hold, it will leak into your roof, fascia, walls, and even the foundation of your house. This can cause mold, rot, and structural failure.
2. Foundation Issues
Gutter function one of the primary functions is to drain water away from the foundation. Water will typically collect at the level of the foundation whenever there are obstructions and overflows, which will result in cracking, shifting, and even flooding in the basement.
3. Pest Infestations
Standing water and damp debris in your gutters are the perfect breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes, rodents, and birds. Certain pests even gain entry into your walls or attic and inflict further damage.
4. Roof Damage
Water accumulating in plugged gutters can freeze during cold weather and become ice dams. These can lift roof shingles and create leaks, which are costly to repair or require a new roof altogether.
5. Landscape Erosion
Water that spills over clogged gutters can flow directly onto flower beds or lawns below, washing mulch away, harming plants, and soil erosion.
The bottom line: not cleaning your gutters can turn a simple maintenance job into a massive and costly repair job.
Should I clean my gutters myself?
When it comes to gutter cleaning, homeowners are usually divided between doing it themselves or hiring a professional. While DIY gutter cleaning may be less expensive, there are certain things you should take into account before you grab the ladder.
Safety First
Gutter cleaning often involves working at heights, which can be dangerous, especially without the right equipment or experience. Falls from ladders are one of the most common causes of home-related injuries. If you’re not comfortable working on a ladder, it’s best to leave the job to a professional.
Equipment and Expertise
Professional gutter cleaners possess the tools, experience, and expertise necessary to perform the job professionally. They are able to detect and repair problems such as tiny leaks, sagging gutters, or rust stains before they develop into major issues.
Time and Convenience
Gutter cleaning is grimy and time-consuming labor. Using a professional saves you time and has the job done promptly and right.
If you do decide to clean your gutters yourself, be sure to have a sturdy ladder, gloves, a scoop, and a hose. Always have someone with you in case you need help. But for most homeowners, it is the safer and better option to hire a good professional.
Gutter Cleaning is one of those household tasks that’s best left to individuals with the proper training and equipment — especially if you don’t want to have accidents or make sure the job gets done right.
What happens if gutters are full of leaves?
When gutters become clogged with leaves, water can’t travel through the system as planned. Rather than being channeled away from your house, rainwater flows over and down the sides. This can lead to moisture damage to siding, windows, and doors over time. The additional weight from waterlogged leaves can also put stress on your gutter brackets. Later on, this can cause the gutters to draw away from the roof or totally collapse. It also provides a good habitat for mold, bugs, and rot. It does this by having a high surface-to-volume ratio.
What kind of damage can clogged gutters cause?
Clogged gutters can lead to water backing up on your roof and leaking into your attic. This can cause stains on your ceiling, mold growth, and destruction of insulation and drywall. Water can even seep into the foundation, which can lead to severe structural problems. Outside, overflow can erode landscaping and destroy flower beds. In colder climates, water that becomes trapped can freeze and form ice dams. These ice dams can raise roof shingles and let additional water enter your home.
Is it OK for water to sit in gutters?
No, it’s not alright if water sits in gutters for extended periods. Standing water typically indicates that your gutters are plugged or not sloped properly. It becomes a pest and mosquito breeding ground. It can also make metal gutters rust and degrade over time. The water can cause the gutter to sag or even collapse altogether. Proper drainage must be maintained to ensure your gutter system stays healthy.
Is it normal for gutters to overflow in heavy rain?
Some occasional overflow from heavy rain may occur. But if your gutters overflow regularly, there’s something more amiss. They might be clogged or improperly sized for your roof’s runoff. Overflowing gutters can damage your siding, foundation, and landscaping. Water can accumulate at the house and cause basement leaks or erosion. Regular gutter cleaning and inspection for damage is needed.
Conclusion
Gutter cleaning is an important home maintenance task not to be skipped. Depending on your location and the weather, it is wise to clean gutters at least twice a year. For heavily wooded homes or storm-prone areas, however, more often might be wise. Failing to do this simple chore can result in huge and costly repairs, from cracks in the foundation to leaks through the roof to pest infestations.
While some may be tempted to do it themselves, it will usually be smarter to hire a professional to handle the job. Not only will professionals have the right equipment and know-how, but they are also able to catch problems early on before they become more expensive, time-wasting issues down the road.
With decades of roofing and Gutter Cleaning experience, our professionals are equipped to handle any job — big or small. We take pride in careful, consistent service, safely and efficiently cleaning your gutters from top to bottom. Our trained technicians not only clear out debris but also inspect for wear, leaks, or other damage, so you can avoid future issues before they arise.
Whatever you require, a one-time clean-out or maintenance package, JC Roofings is your solution. We guarantee to have your gutters running freely — and your home shielded year-round.
