Why is it important to clean my gutters?
Gutters are an essential component of your home's exterior that helps to direct rainwater away from your foundation. However, like any other outdoor component, they are susceptible to debris and can get clogged, which can lead to serious problems such as water damage, mold growth, and insect infestations.
So, how often should you clean your gutters?
Here's what you need to know:
For East Texas, twice a year is the recommended starting point:
The general rule of thumb is to clean your gutters twice a year, in the spring and the fall. This will help keep them free of debris and ensure they're functioning properly.
Frequency depends on location and climate:
If you live in an area with heavy tree cover, you'll need to clean your gutters more frequently, especially during the fall when leaves are abundant. On the other hand, if you live in an area with only a few trees, you may only need to clean your gutters twice a year. And, if you are lucky enough to live in an area with no trees, then you can usually get away with only one cleaning per year.
The climate also plays a role, as gutters in areas with heavy rainfall will need to be cleaned more often.
Check after major storms
Even if it's not time for a regular cleaning, it's a good idea to check your gutters after a major storm or heavy rainfall. If you see any damage or clogs, clean them as soon as possible to prevent water damage to your home.
Always be on the lookout for signs of clogs
If you notice water spilling over the sides of your gutters, or if you see any evidence of water damage on your exterior walls or foundation, it's likely that your gutters are clogged and need to be cleaned.
Are there any alternative options to gutter cleaning?
Gutter Guards can help protect your home and reduce clogging.
Gutter guards are another great solution for heavily wooded lots and constantly clogged gutters. It is important to note that there is not a perfect solution to keeping gutters clean, and even properly installed gutter guard systems will require occasional cleaning and maintenance. However, These systems will drastically reduce the frequency of cleaning, sometimes from the recommended twice a year cleaning without guards to only needing to be cleaned every two or three years with guards installed. Ask a technician at ETX Services about our free inspection to determine whether gutter guards would be a good option for your home!
Cleaning your gutters is an important task that should be done regularly to keep them functioning properly and to prevent damage to your home. The frequency will depend on your location and climate, but a good starting point is twice a year. If you are not ready to spend the day going up and down a ladder or playing in dirty gutters then call ETX Services and ask about their professional gutter cleaning services, gutter inspections, and gutter guard installation. You can visit www.ETX-Services.com for more information, or call (903)920-4341 today for your FREE estimate!
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