It depends! Some houses can go for a couple of years between cleanings. Others need cleaning twice a year or more. Each situation is different

Develop a history

Starting out to find how often cleaning is needed the gutters and down spouts should be checked twice a year for signs of blockage, leaks and possible overflowing. If you live in a high rainfall area or have a lot of trees hanging over the house you may want to increase the frequency of checking the gutter system. As you check the system and track the need for cleaning after a season or two it will be very clear what is needed for gutter cleaning frequency

For those who can not see any of the gutters from inside the house and do not climb ladders checking the system for blockage can be relatively easy. On clear days check of signs of mold or streaking on places the gutters may over flow. Observe the siding for discolorations indicating water leaks. Just when it starts to rain go to the out let of he downspouts and if water does not flow very soon after the start of a heavy rain you know that something is blocking either the gutters or leaders. If you want to stay dry and the garden hose spray can reach the roof the same test can be done of the system by spraying water on the roof and simulating a rain, checking the water flows down the system as it saturates the roof and fills the gutter.

This way you do not have to clean the gutters more often than needed. Regardless if you are doing it yourself or paying some one to climb up and clean the gutters no one wants to waste time energy or money on something that is not needed.

Cleaning frequency

Prior to having a history on when gutter cleaning is need for a house follow this rule of thumb. Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned and checked for signs of necessary repairs at least twice a year. Typically, the best times to do this are spring when the tree seed pods and flower debris are down and fall when the leaves are down but take care not to wait so long a prolonged freeze sets in. Each year this window of opportunity can be very different. The late fall option can be difficult if put off too long and you get into snow and freezing weather were it is not safe or practical to work on gutters. If you suspect a problem or live in an extremely rainy climate, then perhaps, you should check and clean the gutters more frequently. If there are a lot of trees that are high or over hang the roof then the need for cleaning will naturally increase the frequency. Some people cannot tell in advance the need for gutter cleaning so just wait till the gutters show a problem then have them cleaned. This method can stretch out the need for cleaning but also lead to a sudden death playoff with problems in the winter being the hardest to resolve if there are freezing conditions. If you live in an area that winter is cold enough for freezing then you can get ice dams in the gutters and water pouring into the house as melting snow from the heat inside works up under the roof since the ice blocks the normal flow of water off the roof. As you keep track of how much material is removed at cleaning, how full the gutters are and if there are blocked downspouts you will know what the right frequency is. Most houses always have bad spot and areas of guttering that stays clear.

“How Often Gutters Should Be Cleaned”

Was written By Dana Huntley of Gutter Cleaning Hampton

http://guttercleaninghampton.com

 Damage Done By Clogged Gutters

Have you ever been to Niagara Falls? Looks magnificent isn’t it? What if you come home one rainy day and see this site in your own house? How will it make you feel? I am pretty sure you will freak out and would want to leave that very day. This is the damage done by clogged gutters.

This is just one of the damage done from clogged gutters. As the years progress, houses will definitely be nagged by clogged gutters. It’s inevitable given the seasons that they encounter and the leaves that fall off the trees. It is part of aging and without the right maintenance; it can wreak havoc to our homes.

Here is the damage done by clogged gutters

Yes, clogged gutters are a pain. It has numerous effects. The first one is overflowing water. When the weather pours down in a torrential rain, it will reach a tipping point where it will look for ways to get out. It can seep through your walls, ceiling and can eventually flood the basement. Water is the source of life but in excess amounts can destroy life as we know it. It also leaves a powerful stain. Once it flows, it leaves a mark. Clogged gutters can also be heavy enough to pull down the gutter itself. Imagine the impact of an aluminum structure falling down on your head. It can also bring down part of the roof itself. If the damage done by clogged gutters is not addressed the roofing structure and fascia can come down with it.

Second is the damage done by clogged gutters leaving stagnant water behind. The most damage is when it is hidden in the walls and attic. The insulation or wood gets wet and stays wet for extended periods of time. These areas do not have the sun and outside air to dry them. Outside if these are not properly drained it can become a breeding ground for disease carrying insects and parasites. Mosquitoes, mice and cockroaches will have a field day. They will now have a special place to stay and multiply. These creatures can make people seriously sick. Imagine if you have a baby in the house. Do you want your son or daughter to suffer because you failed to maintain the cleanliness of the gutter? If these things don’t get to you, bacteria and viruses will. Remember moisture and a damp place is the ideal environment these microorganisms thrive on. They can bring diseases to your house.

Third is the aesthetical part. Imagine a dilapidated structure with falling gutters and cracked downspouts. It is like a bunker in a zombie movie. It makes the house look old and dirty. Going home every single day will be a challenge. Seeing your home look the way it is will be very depressing. The gutters accentuate the neatness and beauty of your house. But it can also highlight the ugliness of an ill maintained structure.

Bottom line, gutters play a significant role. The damage done by clogged gutters can cause both physical harm and ruin your property. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Gutters need to be maintained regularly. If you want a nice place to live, ensure that you are diligent enough to clean your gutters.

Spring is just around the corner. Are your gutters ready? The main and primary task of the gutters is to divert the rain away from your home and the foundation. It is important that you do the spring gutter cleaning to prepare for the upcoming rainy season. Experts say that spring gutter cleaning must be done in order to avoid roof damage and costly repairs.

It’s that time of year when a spring gutter cleaning is almost always needed, especially with the new shedding of leaf debris and seeds from spring budding branches. Recent winter storms can also blow branches, pine needles and roofing debris into gutters, causing potential rainwater overflow. Also the winds of February take their toll on your gutter system also. These repairs need to be done to allow for proper drainage.

Spring is coming fast. Meaning there are lots of home projects needing your attention. And one part of your home that is overlooked most often is in the gutters. Spring gutter cleaning is an essential part of keeping your home in a good condition. For busy homeowners, spring gutter cleaning is perhaps taken for granted.

The main issue is, a lot of homeowners delay spring gutter cleaning until there is an issue, or so much debris has gathered in the gutter. Sad to say, taking for granted the gutter or waiting until you notice an issues prior to fixing it will make the situation worse, especially during the spring gutter cleaning season.

If the gutter is clogged it can wreck your home with water drainage. This damage can be to roofing, fascia, and soffit and even start leaking directly into the home. Moreover, water damage could ruin the foundation of the house that can lead to serious problems. You have to avoid this from happening.

Some of the advantages of spring gutter cleaning take account of the following:

·         It keeps your home safe from water damage.

·         It prevents the birds, termites, mosquitoes from creating their nesting places.

·         It keeps the beauty and value of the property.

Spring Gutter Cleaning Guides 

•  Start through scooping out twigs, loose leaves, pine cones, mud and any debris which can clog up the gutter.

•  Pay attention to cleaning out the drain spout in order to release water build up from previous rain.
• Utilize a water hose and then spray your gutter to eliminate stubborn mud and dirt. Make sure to use a hose that is capable to produce lot of force so as push properly debris out of the gutter.
• Dissembling the downspout may be necessary to clear and clean hard to reach corners and eliminate clogs.

Spring gutter cleaning takes account of getting up on your roof where falls from defective ladders can happen. The suggestion of many experts is to get the service of reliable and skilled rain gutter technician in order to avoid injuries and at the same time to make sure that the job is done fast and accurate. A lot of companies offer spring gutter cleaning services and upkeep.

Maintain a schedule of fall and spring gutter cleaning every year. A lot of gutter cleaning companies even have a yearly program wherein homeowners can sign up to have regular gutter cleanings. Some homes may need their gutters cleaned more often. This will keep you and your property safe from clogged gutters and the water damage from clogged gutters.