What’s one household chore that’s often dreaded? If you have open-top gutters then cleaning them is usually at the top of every homeowner’s “dreaded chores” list. Not only is it time-consuming but it’s also dangerous since the use of a ladder is required. We guarantee you’re not overjoyed when you realize it’s time to clean your gutters yet again.
Although it’s a chore most homeowners despise, it needs to be done often to keep the gutter system operating at peak performance. If you’re not sure of how often you need to clean your gutters or if you need a refresher on how to properly clean them, you may be asking yourself when and how often should I clean my gutters? Keep reading to learn all about cleaning gutters including how often you should clean them as well as a step-by-step guide.
How Often Should I Clean My Gutters?
If you have half round or open-top gutters then you need to clean them regularly. How often? According to Angie’s List, the answer varies from 2 to 4 times a year. Why does the answer vary?
How often you should clean your open-top gutter system depends on how many trees surround your property. If your house is surrounded by trees then you’ll most likely benefit from cleaning your gutter system 4 times a year. On the other hand, if your home isn’t surrounded by many trees, you could get away with cleaning them 2 times a year.
Why do you have to clean your gutters more often if your home is surrounded by trees? Think about how many leaves fall off of the trees annually along with other debris like samaras (“helicopters” or “whirlers” from maple trees) and insects. Your open-top gutter system can easily become clogged from all of this debris. When debris like those mentioned above falls often, it’ll inevitably end up in your gutter system if trees are in your yard.
If debris is left to collect in a gutter system that isn’t being cleaned often or properly then you’ll most likely notice the following issues that can occur as a result: overflowing gutters, rotting soffits & fascia, algae/moss buildup, a leaking roof, and foundation damage.
How Do I Properly Clean My Gutters?
For your gutter system to perform its best and drain stormwater and meltwater away from your home then you’ll need to clean them multiple times a year. While it’s relatively easy to clean a gutter system, it can be timely and present issues if you’re uncomfortable using a ladder. Only clean your gutters yourself if you’re comfortable using a ladder for a long period of time.
If you’re ready to tackle the task of cleaning out your gutters, take a look at our step-by-step guide below.
Step 1
Gather all of the materials you’ll need to clean your gutter system. You’ll need the following items: a ladder, gloves, scoop, bucket, garden hose, and perhaps a plumber’s snake. Once you have all of these items then you’re ready to begin cleaning your gutter system.
Step 2
You’ll want to start the cleaning process by removing all debris from the gutters themselves. If your gutters haven’t been cleaned recently then you’ll probably notice a buildup of leaves, twigs, silt, and even rocks. With gloves on, remove as much debris as you can by using a scoop and bucket. You’ll be surprised at how much debris can collect inside of your open-top gutters!
Step 3
Next, if you notice your downspouts are clogged, place a foot or two of the plumber’s snake into each corner where the gutters meet the downspout – doing so will remove leaves and other debris that’s clogged.
Step 4
Finally, finish cleaning your gutter system by using a garden house to flush out any debris that you were unable to remove by hand. Silt, tiny rocks, and even roof sediment are hard to remove by hand so flushing it all with a garden hose should get most of the debris out.
By following the steps above you’ll be able to clean your gutter system yourself rather than hire professional gutter cleaners. While cleaning a gutter system is a daunting task, it must be done if you have an open-top gutter system. Cleaning your gutters regularly will help them to work properly and will aid in avoiding overflowing gutters that can cause all sorts of costly issues.
If you’re tired of cleaning your gutters regularly then consider making the switch to the K-Guard Gutter System. Unlike an open-top gutter system where the gutters themselves are exposed, our product has a curved hood that enables leaves and other debris to simply slide off the gutter system rather than entering the gutter through the narrow opening where only water adheres. Simply put, you’ll never need to clean your K-Guard Gutters!
If you’re interested in learning more about the K-Guard Gutter System or if you have any questions, contact us today. We offer free in-home estimates that include a detailed analysis of your current gutter system along with estimated costs for installing your K-Guard Clog Free Gutter System. We look forward to scheduling your gutter installation service!
