How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

Gutters are often something we ignore when it comes to household maintenance. They’re hidden up, far away from our eye line and so are often forgotten about (whether that’s accident or intentionally). But how often should you clean your gutters?

Why is it important to clean your gutters?

Clean gutters enable collected rainwater to flow to the down pipe and into the drain below. Like a river or canal, if a gutter gets clogged up with leaves and debris then water can build up. This can then lead to the water overflowing, causing erosion or mould and mildew development. This can not only be an exterior eyesore but can harm the walls of your property internally. Also, if a leak occurs around a window or door, there is a risk of flooding.

When should you clean your gutters?

So how can you avoid these issues occurring? Well keeping your gutters clean and clear is the best answer. Don’t worry, we are not suggesting that you climb a ladder weekly to check for leaves. We suggest cleaning your gutter 1-2 times a year. Whether it’s once or twice will depend on where your property is located. If you’re located in an area with few trees around, your gutter will only need cleaning once a year. However, if you’ve plenty of trees in your garden or live in the luscious countryside then we suggest cleaning them every six months. This is simply because your gutter will have collected more leaves and debris.

Why does debris get caught in your gutters?

Leaves blow from trees, but also be placed or dropped there by animals. Birds often collect sticks and twigs to build a nest and these can be left behind in your gutters. Squirrels are also known for picking up bits and bobs and can often lose these en-route to their destination! Furthermore, if there are gutters located on a lower level to the rest of the house, these can often collect the bulk of the water and therefore more debris. These should be checked more often than those above them.

Whilst cleaning, we also recommend that you check your gutters for any repairs that may need to be done. It’s a job that’s only done a couple of times a year so it’s definitely worth killing two birds with one stone. If you’re not keen on cleaning yourself, you can always hire a professional to help get the job done. Get in touch with us and we can give you a quote!