Pumpkin spice lattes, cooler temperatures, favorite soups, and falling leaves. These are just a few of the things that prove summer is over, and fall is in the air. While fall activities can be fun, there is also some home maintenance to tackle before winter sets in- like cleaning your gutters. Here is some information and tips on properly maintaining your home’s gutters over the year.
How Often Should I Clean My Gutters?
Most, if not all, gutter cleaning companies recommend you clean out your gutters twice a year. It’s often suggested that homeowners clean them at the beginning of spring and fall. You might not realize how dirty and backed-up your gutters can get over the months. Spring rains and summer storms can fill your gutters with leaves and other debris, which makes it difficult- or impossible- for the water that builds up there to properly drain. If your home or buildings are surrounded by trees, it also wouldn’t be a bad idea to have your gutters inspected twice a year.
Performing regular cleaning and maintenance on your gutters will help prevent clogs and ensure any water is being sent away from your house and other buildings on your property. To avoid any risk of injuries while cleaning your gutters, reach out to a local professional gutter cleaning company.
Benefits of Cleaning Gutters
- Protects Against Water Damage
Gutters are designed to channel water off your roof and away from your home. When gutters become clogged, the water gets backed up. With nowhere else to go, the water sitting in your clogged gutters can flood into your home causing structural damage. Having clean gutters will protect your house and its foundation from flooding and other water damage. - Avoids Pests Making Nests
Leaves and twigs are a nesting dream for pests such as birds, rats, mice, and other animals that might want to make their new home in your gutters. Regularly cleaning out your gutters will discourage those unwelcome visitors from moving into your roof- and making their way into your home! - Extends Roof and Gutters Lifespan
When gutters become clogged with leaves, debris, and eventually the build-up of water that can’t properly drain, it adds unnecessary weight and stress to your roof. Additionally, the rainwater that builds up in your gutters will freeze in the Wisconsin winter- which can lead to costly roof leaks and repairs. Clogged gutters also can add weight and stress to the structure. Over time this can cause the gutters to detach from your home and fall off. You also have the risk of the debris in your gutters causing rust and corrosion to form under the mess, further compromising your structure. - Enhances Your Home’s Value and Curb Appeal
Neglected gutters are not only dangerous for your home’s structure, but they’re also an eye sore. By regularly maintaining your gutters, you’ll avoid any headaches of repairs, but you’ll also keep your home’s landscaping and appearance nice and clean.
Cleaning your gutters is just one of the ways you can avoid headaches year-round. For other tips and advice for protecting your home against seasonal changes, reach out to your local Rural Mutual agent.
