Your gutters are like the unsung heroes of your home, working tirelessly to protect your roof, walls, and foundation from water damage. But just like any hero, they need some help to perform their best.
That's why gutter cleaning is so essential to the integrity of your home! Curious about how often you should clean your gutters? We've created a definitive guide.
A good rule of thumb is to clean your gutters twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall or have many trees around your home, you may need to clean them more frequently. But regardless of the climate in the area you call home, check your gutters periodically throughout the year to ensure they're functioning properly.
Even if you have gutter guards, they’re not foolproof. Gutter guards can be a good tool to help prevent larger debris from entering your gutters and causing clogs, but they're not a complete solution. Over time, small particles such as dirt, shingle grit, and seed pods can finagle their way inside your gutter system and accumulate, leading to clogs that can
impede water flow. Additionally, gutter guards can become clogged and ineffective, rendering them useless.
To make sure your gutters are functioning correctly, it's important to perform regular maintenance, even if you have gutter guards installed. Giving your gutters a thorough cleaning at least twice a year can help prevent clogs and ensure water flows away from your home as intended, ultimately reducing the risk of
potential water damage.
Gutters come in a variety of materials, including aluminum, copper, and vinyl. Each type of gutter has its own unique cleaning needs.
Aluminum gutters are the most common type of gutter and are relatively easy to clean. Begin by removing large debris, such as leaves and branches, by hand or with a scoop. Then, flush out the gutters with a hose to remove smaller debris and flush out any remaining particles. Check for any leaks or damage to the gutters while you're cleaning, and make any necessary repairs.
Copper gutters are a visually appealing and durable option for your home, but they do require more maintenance than other types of gutters. When cleaning copper gutters, use a non-abrasive cleaner to avoid scratching the surface. Start by removing any large debris, then mix warm water and a gentle cleaner such as dish soap to create a cleaning solution. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the gutters, then rinse with a hose. Be sure to dry the gutters thoroughly with a soft cloth to avoid water stains.
Vinyl gutters are an affordable and easy-to-install option, but they require more frequent cleaning because of their tendency to warp and crack over time. Begin by removing any large debris with a scoop or by hand. Then, use a garden hose to flush out the gutters and remove any remaining residue. Check for any warping or cracking while you're cleaning, and make any necessary repairs. To avoid warping and cracking, be sure to clean your vinyl gutters several times a year.
Gutter guards can be a helpful addition to your gutter system, but they don't eliminate the need for gutter cleaning entirely. Gutter guards can prevent larger debris, such as leaves and twigs, from entering your gutters, but smaller debris can still accumulate and cause clogs.
To clean gutters with gutter guards, start by removing any debris from the top of the guards with a brush or leaf blower. Next, use a hose to flush out any remaining debris and check for clogs. Finally, check the downspouts for clogs and flush them out with the hose if necessary.
When it comes to cleaning gutters, safety should always be a top priority. Climbing up on a ladder or roof can be risky, and it’s always better to prioritize your safety, especially if you’re not experienced with heights. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 240,000 ladder-related injuries are reported annually in the United States. In addition, ladder-related injuries account for nearly 165,000 emergency room visits each year.
Cleaning gutters can also expose you to other hazards that can cause injury if stepped on or touched, such as sharp nails or screws. They can also harbor harmful chemicals from roof treatments or cleaning products. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to skin irritation, respiratory problems, or other health issues.
While it may seem like a simple task, cleaning gutters can actually be a dangerous and time-consuming process. That's why it's essential to consider hiring a professional to take care of this important task for you. Not only are experts trained to work at various heights and uneven surfaces, they also have the proper safety equipment to prevent falls. While it may be tempting to save money by cleaning your gutters yourself, the cost of an injury or damage to your home far outweighs the cost of a professional cleaning service.
Of course, the easiest way to handle gutter cleaning and maintenance is to avoid the need for it in the first place! That’s why, at Hanke Brothers, we’re pleased to install the
K-Guard gutter system. It’s the only truly maintenance-free solution available to homeowners.
Unlike a typical gutter guard, the K-Guard gutter guards feature a patented leaf guard system that keeps the leaves and debris out, therefore allowing the rain and moisture to escape through the gutter and downspout. K-Guard gutters are larger in size too, and this advantage makes them more capable of draining water.
There are countless benefits to
K-Guard gutters — and the main one is saving you the headache of cleaning your gutters (or the price of paying a pro!). We’re so confident that the K-Guard system won’t clog that if our system ever has a clog, we'll send out one of our qualified technicians to remove it and fix the problem free of charge . . . for life!
At Hanke Brothers, we offer professional gutter cleaning services to help keep your gutters functioning properly and your home protected from water damage, as well as the installation of the
no-maintenance-required K-Guard system. Our experienced technicians use the latest equipment and safety techniques to ensure a thorough and safe cleaning. Contact us today to schedule your gutter cleaning service or
K-Guard installation and take the first step toward protecting your home.
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