Is It Better to Clean Your Gutters Before or After Fall?

Most experts agree that the best time to clean your gutters is during the spring and fall, but you might be unsure if that means before the season or after. The consensus is that after autumn has passed, when the leaves have already fallen, is the best time of year to empty your gutters.

Alternatively, you can put gutter cleaning behind you once and for all with the installation of Gutter Guards from Total Roof Solutions.

We generally don’t offer gutter cleaning services. The one exception is if a client with Gutter Guards ever experiences gutter clogs. The good news is we virtually never have to clean gutters because these exceptionally reliable guards rarely fail at their job if they’re installed correctly and aren’t damaged by external factors.

Why Is It Important to Have Your Gutters Cleaned

Standing water on your roof can lead to costly damage of roofing materials and your home. Gutters prevent water from pooling by giving it a safe drain path off your roof and away from your home.

Just like your roof, gutters are not designed to hold standing water or significant volumes of soggy, heavy debris. If they become cluttered, water can become trapped in the gutters.

Trapped water can lead to mold growth along your roof and can cause fascia and shingles to rot or suffer damage. Water-damaged roofing material can also become a breading ground for pests and bugs.

During heavy rains, clogged gutters may simply overflow, causing water to run down the side of your building. This can potentially damage siding and your home’s foundation.

 

How Do You Know It’s Time to Have Your Gutters Cleaned or Replaced

If your gutters aren’t guarded, it is recommended that you have them cleaned twice a year in late spring and fall. Gutters, especially old-fashioned seamed gutters, don’t last forever. Eventually they may need to be replaced, especially if they’re several decades old.

When Is It Time to Clean Your Gutters?

• Wild Animals Are Making a Home in Your Gutters: Leaves and other debris make a warm and cozy home for rodents like squirrels and other animals. If you notice a lot of animals spending time in your gutters it might be because your gutters are clogged with leaves.

• Plants Are Growing in Your Gutters: Plants growing in your gutters are a clear indication that you are overdue for having your gutters cleaned. Plants grow in your gutters when dirt, debris and standing water create a fertile bed for them.

When Is It Time to Replace Your Gutters?

• Your Gutters Are Sagging: If your gutter is overburdened with debris, you might notice it visibly sagging. If you notice sagging, it is vital you have your gutters cleaned and replaced to prevent any further damage to your home. Gutters that collapse can damage your shingles, roof, fascia board and other parts of your home.

• Water is Being Funneled onto Your Home: If your gutters are working properly, they will channel rainwater away from your home and keep moisture away from the building. If you notice water is dripping onto your siding and walls, your gutters need to be cleaned. If the drips are coming from failing seams, the gutters likely need to be replaced.

 

• Stains on Your Siding: If you notice water stains along the side of your home, it may indicate your gutters are not draining properly.

• Cracks in Your Gutters and Chips in the Paint: If you see cracks in your gutters or notice the paint chipping, it may be time to replace your gutters. The paint on your gutters is supposed to be weather resistant, but their weather resistance wears down over time.

If you notice all or a few of these signs, you should consider cleaning your gutters to prevent any extensive damage to your property.

How to Safely Clean Gutters

Safely clean your gutters by using a ladder to reach them. While on the ladder, practice ladder safety by placing the ladder on stable ground. Never step above the second to last rung on your ladder or overextend yourself.

Bring two buckets with you on the ladder to make cleaning your gutters easier. One bucket can hold your tools while the other can hold the debris from your gutters.

Use a water hose to spray remaining debris and flush it out of your gutters.

If you cannot safely clean your gutters, contact a gutter specialist.

Contact Total Roof Solutions in Atlanta for Gutter Replacement or the Installation of Gutter Guards

Any company that wants to offer comprehensive roof solutions should provide reliable gutter replacement and protection services. Gutters are a vital part of your roof and play an important role in the protection of your home and property. If you believe your gutters are compromised, our experts can help with the installation of seamless gutters or Gutter Guards. Call us at 678-752-8668 for a consultation.