When Should I Clean My Gutters in the Spring?

Spring is here, which means it’s time to clean your gutters. Your gutters are designed to collect rainwater and divert it away from your walls and foundation—but they can’t do their job if they’re stuffed full of leaves, dirt and other debris. Cleaning your gutters is important to protect your home, especially in Florida’s rainy climate. Make gutter cleaning a part of your Pensacola, FL spring cleaning routine, or call Gutter Master to do it for you.

Here’s a guide to when you should clean your rain gutters.

Why is gutter cleaning so important?

Rain gutters primarily divert water away from your home so it doesn’t cause water damage to your walls or ruin your foundation. Even a little water flowing down your walls can lead to mold, mildew, cracks and warping, depending on the kind of exterior siding you use. The longer the water is allowed to seep into the walls and the ground, the more likely you’ll notice major problems. In serious cases, your foundation may crack and shift, which can lead to major structural issues with your home.

Gutter blockages can also damage the gutters and fascia. Fascia boards are used to support the gutters. When water overflows, it can damage the fascia’s wood. This leads to gutters pulling away or sagging. They won’t be able to divert the water properly, and you may end up needing to replace your roof’s fascia.

How and when to clean your gutters

Gutters in Pensacola, FL should be cleaned at least twice per year, but if you live in a particularly wet climate, you may want to do it monthly. Some homeowners buy their own gutter cleaning tool, and get up on the ladder to do it themselves. You can scoop out the debris by hand, then flush the gutters and downspouts with your garden hose. This will get rid of any remaining plant matter or other particles.

If there are any stubborn clogs in your downspouts, use a plumbing snake to break them up, then flush the gutters again to verify they’re working as they should. When you live in an area with a lot of trees, it’s often prudent to get gutter covers. They’re designed to filter out debris while letting water in.

Depending on how often it rains in your area, you should at least clean your gutters in early spring and fall. However, it’s smart to at least check the gutters after every major storm. It’s unfortunately common to clean out your gutters before one storm, only to find they’ve filled up with debris immediately afterward.

Be sure to follow ladder safety protocol, and exercise extreme caution when cleaning out your gutters. If you’re not comfortable getting up on a ladder yourself, consider hiring a professional twice per year. They can clean your gutters quickly and efficiently, saving you the hassle and keeping you safe.

If you’re interested in installing gutters or scheduling professional gutter cleaning in Pensacola, FL, Gutter Master is here to help. Call us today to get started.

Categorised in: Cleaning Gutters

This post was written by Writer