Many customers ask us, “What is the best time of year to clean out my gutters?” Our answer is always the same; “It depends.” If your gutters are already blocked, then it probably makes sense to get them cleaned out as soon as possible. On the other hand, it is better to clean your gutters during the spring or summer, when rainfall is less frequent. We often find that customers wait until there is an urgent or unexpected reason for getting their gutters cleaned out, be it because there is a problem with the roof or they are being pressured by their neighbours.
One thing to note, particularly if you are a new homeowner, is that having your gutters cleaned each year is not dependent on when they were last cleaned. If you have them cleaned at the same time every year, the piles of leaves and branches (more on that below) that accumulate in your gutters throughout the year will have never had the opportunity to accumulate completely, and therefore, will never have that time unattended to really cause blockages, breaks, or penetrating damp.
Springtime Gutter Cleaning
Spring storms are heavy and can cause a lot of havoc during this time of year. Rain, sleet, hail and more can all wreak havoc on your home, but there is one area in particular that’s at significant risk—your gutters. Most people don’t give their gutters a second thought, but if you’re one of the lucky ones, you know all too well just how much trouble they can often give you.
Spring showers can be strong and cause gutters to become clogged with silt, sand, and other fine material. The weight of this detritus makes it easy to clog gutters, but it’s also a great place for seedlings to grow.
Summer
Summer time is growth time! As the weather gets warmer plants, grass, and weeds grow faster. Make sure to check your gutters often for plant growth and ensure your downpipes are not blocked.
Autumn
Autumn brings debris from leaves! As autumn generally tends to be also be windy, leaves and wind make the perfect combination to block gutters and downpipes.
Winter
At this point, the debris that has already built up inside your guttering has died and decomposing. The flow of water through your gutters will slow down and this, in turn, will lead to extra weight and strain. This will cause your gutters to become brittle, which may break and cause leaks as well as overflows.
Although there is no best time to clean out gutters, it is recommended that the job be done at least once a year.
If you would a quote to have your gutter cleaned give Clean My Gutters a call today!