Why is spring season gutter cleaning crucial?

Spring gutter cleaning is important for every homeowner. Springs warm and wet weather can encourage seeds to germinate on your roof and gutters. Regular professional gutter cleaning can significantly reduce the chances of water damage and keep pests away. Here is why you should schedule your gutter cleaning, especially in spring.

Improve drainage and prevent blockage

Gutters should allow water to flow through them easily. Prevent future problems by having items like leaves, dirt, debris, and branches removed from the roof and gutters. Debris from the roof and gutters will eventually block the gutters.

Prevent gutter damage

Obstruction of water will cause holdup in the gutters. Gutters will start developing weaknesses along the joints and corners if water and dirt drains too slowly or becomes stagnant. Eventually gutters could buckle and fall off without proper maintenance.

To protect your home from water damage

Water will overflow from clogged gutters and may already have caused significant damage to your fascia, soffit, sidings, and footing. As water overflows from blocked gutters, it spills out in multiple directions affecting everything along the way.

Keep pests and birds away

Birds, rodents, and insects love dirty gutters. They will form a home there, which can pose a significant health and safety hazard. Removing leaves, branches, and other foreign items on the roof and gutters may help keep bees, rats, pigeons, and other animals away

Gutter cleaning tips

Now that you know the benefits of gutter maintenance, let us talk about cleaning.

Use protective gear and tools.

Safety first in gutter cleaning means making sure you have someone around to hold the ladder or to call emergency services if something happens. Wearing protective gear is crucial. If you must climb on the roof, wearing rubber-soled shoes is ideal. A rake and plastic scoop are also valuable tools to have on hand.

Regular cleaning and especially in spring

Do not skip regular gutter maintenance. Spring is a great time to get your gutters cleaned, preventing blockages in future months. Removing all the leaves, seeds, and dirt on the roof allows rainfall to flow freely into your gutters and away from your home. Spring is best because the weather is warmer and generally wetter, but you can clean any other time as required. Removing all plant seeds, to prevent germination on your roof and gutters, is an essential step in the cleaning process. Signing up for a cleaning package with your local gutter cleaning company will help keep cleaning on track.

Use the right cleaning tools

Using the wrong cleaning materials on your roof or gutters may void your warranty. Use the recommended cleaning tools. A plastic scoop is usually recommended as a metal scoop can damage some gutters and roofs.

Hire a professional

Call cleaning experts to do the most thorough job if you don’t feel up to the challenge. Experts have the tools and equipment to clean your gutters well and safely. They will also check for possible issues that need quick fixes. The expense of gutter cleaning is well worth the comfort in knowing your home is going to stay dry.