It’s one of those tasks that you don’t want to do. That is, if you even remember to do it. Nope, cleaning your gutters is not at the forefront of your mind. Not to be too dramatic, but remembering to do this annoying little task regularly can save your life. That’s right. Why? It’s because some people don’t remember to clean their gutters until there’s a storm threatening to tear the roof off. Rather than risk a pricey home repair, they risk their neck on a ladder in the rain. Don’t be that guy!
Save yourself from a trip to the emergency room, or from being that neighbor who fell in a tree. You and your wallet will be embarrassed. Keep them clean, and learn the right way to do it. The best rule of thumb, to answer your question, is to invest your time and energy into a good cleaning twice a year: once in the spring, and once in the fall.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely a homeowner who grasps the basics of cleaning your gutters. Grab the essentials: a bucket, a ladder, a trowel (or anything that can scoop), and a hose. Of course, don’t forget the gloves. It’s not exactly as simple as step up and scoop; but, there are plenty of basic methods and tips out there to help you along the way.
There are a few good tips worth noting, like using a garden hose. Use the most powerful setting to just blast the gunk right out of the gutters (and the downspout). The hose is also an effective way to keep your roof clear of anything that will eventually just fall in the gutters anyway.
So, why clean them twice a year? Well, a few more times wouldn’t hurt. Two times is just the recommended minimum. You’ll need to clean more often if you frequently notice things piling up anywhere on the roof, especially if you get hit with twigs or debris during storms. Remember, the rainwater needs a path to flow through the gutter and down the spout to prevent water overflow. Make sure your downspouts are unclogged, or you’ll have a real problem in the future.
Overall, keeping them clean can be a pain, but it will save you from costly water damage in the future. That water damage will go hand in hand with the rust damage that could be the downfall of your gutters, if rainwater gets trapped in them. So, mark it on a calendar, set an alarm on your phone, do what you have to do. Maybe call a professional, and just set up twenty appointments for the next ten years if that’s what it takes for you to remember (maybe don’t pay in advance, just in case). It may be a tiresome task, but it sure beats falling off of a ladder.