Why do gutters get dirty? Why is gutter cleaning so important? How can I tell if my gutter is dirty? This article will answer these questions and provide you with resources to help you maintain your gutters cleanliness.
Why Do Our Gutters Get Dirty?
Unfortunately the autumn months bring a wealth of leaves, twigs and moist conditions that make maintaining a clear gutter very difficult. These wet conditions cause such foliage to stick to your gutter, and the flow of rainwater can become stuck in the guttering as a result of this. Not only can this block your gutter, but when such debris breaks down it becomes a sort of fertiliser. This means when birds and the wind drop seeds into your gutter it can cause plants to grow.
Why is Gutter Cleaning So Important?
It is absolutely crucial that your gutters are safe, clean and functioning in preparation for the winter months and for poor weather in general. You must ensure that the water in your gutter is free-flowing in order to prevent damage that can be caused by snow and ice build-up.
Damaged guttering can be very dangerous and lead to moisture entering your home and in some extreme cases, lead to flooding. This is why having a clean and clear gutter is essential and a necessity for a functioning home.
Due to the risk of injury and risk of improper cleaning, cleaning out your gutters is a job that should be completed by gutter cleaning professionals. It’s very easy to find professionals in your area, for example if you lived in Essex, you could perform a simple search for ‘Essex gutter cleaning company’ on your preferred search engine.
Another factor to consider when deciding when to get your gutter cleaned or repaired is how much moss there is inside the gutter. Moss may not seem like it could cause huge structural issues to your house, however due to its sponge-like properties, moss locks in water and this can prevent your roof from drying out. This issue can lead to problems like rotting fascia boards, damage to walls, windows and other internal materials. If left this can cause major structural damage to your property.
How Can I Tell If My Gutters Are Blocked, Damaged or Need Cleaning?
Well probably the most obvious way to check is to get up there and have a look! However this option is not always possible or even safe to do so depending on the situation. There are some visual indicators that your gutter needs clearing or repairing. These visual indicators are:
- Are your gutters overflowing with either leaves, foliage, moss or water?
- Are your gutters leaking water?
- Are your gutters sagging, bowing or drooping?
- Is there water running down the side of your home?
- Are there a lot of fallen leaves and wet weather around your property?
- Have you had any leaks in your house coming from the walls or the ceiling?
- Is there any water damage to your fascia boards, walls, windows, ceilings, insulation or house foundation?
- Have you noticed any new or growing mould spores or damp in and around your home?
If you want total clarity it is always best to contact a professional as mentioned above.
How Regularly Should My Gutters Be Cleaned?
How often your gutters need cleaning is totally dependent on the age of your building, the age of the guttering itself, the kind of weather you expect throughout the year in your local area, any weather changes that occur during this time, and the surroundings of your property. For example, if your property is surrounded by trees, or you live in a very large area, or your house is very old and prone to water damage, then it would be a good idea to have your gutters cleaned more frequently than normal.
So what is normal? Realistically, you should have your gutters checked and cleaned at the end of the Autumn season. This is after all the leaves and nature’s debris has fallen to prepare your home for the winter months. You should then look into this again in the Spring to check for any damage that Winter weather could have caused. If the Summer has been really, really hot then it may be worth having your gutters checked as cracking or bowing can occur.
Keep On Top Of It!
While your gutter health probably isn’t a top priority when it comes to home improvements and maintenance, when your gutter goes wrong, it really goes wrong and it isn’t always quick, easy or cheap to fix. Staying on top of your checks is the best way to protect your home.