Leaves start to fall in autumn, which then quickly accumulate in the gutters, leading to clogging and can pose issues like sagging and water spilling. It is necessary to clean gutters to keep them looking and functioning well. However, how often should gutters be professionally cleaned is a big question.
In general, gutters should be cleaned once or twice a year. However, changes in seasons, environmental conditions, trees near your home, and other visible signs are some factors that can influence how often a gutter needs cleaning.
Read on and learn about these in detail to make the most informed decisions.
4 Factors to Consider for Frequency of Professional Gutter Cleaning
I. Season
The most influential factor determining whether to clean your gutter or not is season. As a thumb rule, you should clean your gutters professionally once in fall and once in spring.
- Fall: During fall, leaves start falling and debris quickly accumulates in gutters, causing clogs. Professional cleaning ensures proper water flow and prevents sagging and water damage before winter starts.
- Spring: In spring, it’s crucial to clean your gutters to prevent water from overflowing and damaging your home. Rainwater flowing through the spouts can easily fill the gutters with debris, leading to serious issues if not addressed promptly.
II. Visible Signs
Common gutter problems indicate your gutter needs attention, suggesting professional intervention. Some issues are:
- Sagging Gutters: Excess weight from debris clogged in the gutters can create sag, which can risk detachment and require immediate professional cleaning.
- Water Spilling: When water starts to overflow, it is a clear sign that your gutter needs maintenance. Hence, opting for professionals is necessary.
- Plant Growth: Prolonged debris accumulation results in moss or weed growth, necessitating professional cleaning to improve functionality.
- Pests And Rodents: Insects, birds, or rodents can infest on clogged gutters, requiring cleaning even though they seem cute.
- Visible Debris: Visible accumulated debris and dirt can impair water flow and aesthetics, indicating professional cleaning needs.
III. Preventive Measure
While cleaning gutters when issues arise is advisable, we recommend professional assistance once a year, even when no visible signs of a clog.
Regular cleaning and maintenance prevent costly repairs by identifying and addressing issues early. Schedule professional gutter cleaning periodically to inspect the gutter for debris and damage. Installing guards can help reduce buildup, ensuring proper water flow and lifespan.
IV. Surrounding Conditions
Another factor that increases the need for professional gutter cleaning is the conditions surrounding the gutters.
- Tree Coverage: Trees shed leaves, branches, and debris, which increases the chances of gutter clogging, especially when they are overhanging over the gutters. Homes with this condition require more frequent cleaning.
- Weather Conditions: Weather conditions like rainfall, storms, and snow can exacerbate gutter clogs. Hence demands frequent professional cleaning to avoid water damage and functional issues.
- Roof Types: Roof types can also signal the need for gutter cleaning. Roofs that shed crumbs like asphalt shingles contribute to gutter clogging. It requires frequent cleaning.
- Type Of Gutter Guards: Gutter guards can reduce debris but can’t eliminate it entirely. The effectiveness of guards varies based on the atmosphere and other factors. Regular cleaning can remove fine debris, preventing them from accumulating over time.
Tips to Maintain Gutters Between Professional Cleaning
- Walk around periodically to inspect the house and check your gutters for damage signs.
- Maintain tree branches by trimming to prevent shedding.
- Install gutter guards to reduce debris accumulation.
- Ensure downspouts are clear and not clogged.
- Clean small debris by hand to prevent them from being collected over time.
- Address any potential issues promptly to avoid costly repairs.
Conclusion: The Ideal Time to Call a Professional Gutter Cleaning
After reading this guide, you understand the factors influencing gutter cleaning frequency. It includes seasonal changes, visible signs, and surrounding conditions.
The ideal time for how often should gutters be professionally cleaned is widely dependent on these factors, however, as a thumb rule, you should call professionals at least twice a year (once in spring and fall each) to keep gutters functioning well.
If you find any cues for cleaning as mentioned in this blog, we advise you not to wait until it’s too late! Contact us today for reliable, affordable, and professional gutter cleaning services.
