The Importance of Gutter Cleaning
Gutter cleaning is a necessary home improvement task. Maintaining clean gutters not only enhances the appearance of your home, but also protects it from water damage, freezing, and pest infiltration. You may be unsure how frequently you should clean them. At Roof Right, a residential roofing company in Carroll County, Maryland, we wanted to provide you with pointers on the importance of gutter cleaning.
The Importance of Gutter Cleaning
How Often Should You Get Your Gutters Cleaned?
In general, you should clean your gutters at least twice a year. Depending on the type of foliage that surrounds your home (for example, pine trees), you may want to clean every three months.
Rain and Thunderstorms
There are a few additional considerations. Heavy rainfall combined with a buildup of gutter debris can cause permanent damage to your home’s fascia. It may even seep into crawlspaces, your foundation, or your home’s basement. If your home is surrounded by trees or is located in a wooded area, you may need to clean the gutters more frequently, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. At the very least, you may want to inspect your gutters if you anticipate inclement weather.
The Impact of Pests Around Your Home
Water accumulations also increase the likelihood of pest infestations. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, and carpenter ants may scurry in for any debris that spends an extended period of time in your gutters. By checking your gutters once a month, you can become aware of any pests before they begin to take up residence in your home.
Cleaning Your Gutter System
Cleaning your own gutter system is a time-consuming but necessary task. To begin, you’ll need to gather the necessary protective gear. You’ll need gloves, a dust mask to protect you from any particles generated during the cleaning process, and some safety goggles. A ladder will be necessary, and you may want to invest in some equipment to help stabilize the ladder if you’re going to do it alone.
Certain individuals may believe they can avoid standing on a ladder by crawling around on the roof. This is not a prudent course of action. A ladder, on the other hand, can provide a stable surface to plant your feet. Whatever material your rooftop is made of, it can be a treacherous place to navigate. You risk falling and causing damage to your roof or, worse, to yourself. Please avoid cleaning your gutter system from your roof while standing on it.
A garbage bag is useful for disposing of debris. Once the large pieces have been gathered, you should use a hose to direct the remaining refuse toward the location of your downspout. While using a high-pressure hose or attachment to move the refuse is an option, take care not to damage your gutter system. Additionally, you’ll need to find or install a method of preventing clogs in your downspout, as a serious clog can obstruct water flow and even cause the downspout to rupture.
Why Hire Roof Right To Clean Your Gutters
Repairing or replacing your roof can be a difficult process, but it doesn’t have to be! Roof Right, located in Carroll County, Maryland, works directly with clients to ensure that every step of the process is as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Since 1994, we have been providing excellent service to Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County and Montgomery County. Schedule your free estimate today!