9 Reasons to Clean Your Gutters

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why should I clean my gutters yearly?”

We get it; the never-ending home maintenance checklist never seems to end, and cleaning your gutters is often low on the list. However, cleaning your gutters is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home’s exterior and prevent water damage.

In fact, talk to your local roofer and they will tell you that clogged gutters are one of the leading reasons for roof leaks. Today, we will discuss the reasons why you should clean your gutters and provide you with practical tips to help you clean them! 

First, why are gutters important?

While this may seem obvious, the answer to why your gutters are important involves a few factors. Gutters serve as a defense mechanism for your roof by helping to remove excess water during storms. Collected in the gutter and drained via the downspout away from your house, rain accumulates fast in storms, which is why functioning gutters are vital.

If your rain gutters are not in functioning order, or in other words, clogged, you could experience a build-up of moisture and cracks/leaks in your roof, spawning mold/moss, and other bad news. The most common cause for gutter issues is clogged gutters from debris, which can lead to roof problems, foundation issues, and much more!

Related: The Best Roofing Companies in Boise [Ranked]

9 Reasons to Clean Your Gutters!

Here are the reasons to clean your gutters that we see as the most vital!  

1. Protect Your Roof

When you have clogged gutters, the water will accumulate in your gutters and potentially flood your roof shingles. The water can potentially cause roof leaks and water damage to your roof decking, attic, and inside of your home. The average cost to repair your roof is over $1,000, and the cost for brand-new gutters is around the same price. Obviously, the best option is to keep your gutters clean to avoid roof leaks altogether. Replacing your entire roof system can be costly and a roofer will advise you to always take care of your gutter maintenance to prolong the life of your roof shingles!

2. Saves You Money Down the Road! 

Failing to properly maintain gutters and their respective downspouts could lead to roof and gutter issues that cost money to fix or replace. The general rule of thumb is to clean your gutters at least 2x per year (this always will depend on the trees around your home and your location). We recommend you always err on the side of caution and keep in mind that a new gutter system is not that expensive, but maintaining it is a great route to preventing the need for new gutters… and a new roof!

3. Avoid Pests! 

Clogged gutters are often made up of still water and organic matter/debris, which thus makes the perfect home for pests, birds, rodents, and insects as a negative unintended consequence. Not a winning combination. Don’t pile on problems because of your negligence! 

4. Avoid Fascia Damage

Your gutters are installed onto your home’s fascia boards and designed to collect and dispense water, not store it. When you have clogged gutters, they will accumulate and hold water, thus causing strain on the screws or gutter spikes. Over time, they will start to pull away from your house, causing damage to your fascia boards if you do not maintain your rain gutters!

5. Prevent Water Damage! 

We recommend you have your gutters cleaned 2x per year to avoid water damage from your gutters. As mentioned before, water that has nowhere to go due to clogged gutters and downspouts will increase the likelihood of water damage via leaks not only to your roof but also to the interior of your house.

Leaks, as mentioned above, pose a serious threat to your home’s structural integrity by giving moss/mold room to grow which progressively eats at your house’s material.  What most people don’t know is that a high percentage of roof damage can occur around areas near the gutters.

Blocked and clogged gutters lead to water build-up, this water can then penetrate underneath your roof’s shingles and thus calls for a gutter AND roofing repair.

6. Keeps your Home’s Foundation Healthy

Gutters are equipped with a downspout that allows it to discharge excess water and debris away from your house. When they are clogged, all that excess water has the propensity to pool and surround the foundation of your house. This poses an increased risk of having cracks in your foundation, especially in the winter because when water freezes, it therefore expands. Erosion and other landscaping issues around your home’s foundation can all be due to a clogged rain gutter, as crazy as that might sound!

7. Improve your Home’s Value!

Doing what is required to clean your gutters not only ensures it is in working order but also gives it a more aesthetic, curbside appeal especially if you are in the process of selling your home. Makes your roof stand out from the rest! A rain gutter might not seem essential to your home’s value, but improper maintenance can lead to numerous issues that could decline your home’s value!

8. Prevent Ice Dams

While these last two issues are rare, they can occur when you don’t care for your gutters. Regular gutter cleaning services will help prevent water accumulation that freezes in the winter, causing ice dams. These ice dams can lead to countless roof and leak issues, which is why cleaning gutters before the winter is key! In Boise, remember to have your gutters cleaned before a winter storm hits!

9. Basement Flooding

Believe it or not, your gutters can lead to basement flooding as crazy as that might sound. Simply removing leaves and debris each fall can ensure your gutters last longer and won’t compromise your basement. Your options are simple: get stuck cleaning gutters or get stuck dealing with a potential basement flooding!

BONUS: How do I clean my gutters myself? 

v

First, check the forecast. Water-soaked gutter debris is heavy and difficult to remove. If you wait for a few days of dry weather, the debris won’t be as soaked, making cleaning much easier.

1. Assemble the right tools. You will need the following tools to clean gutters: a trowel, ladder, two buckets with wire hooks, a garden hose with a nozzle or gutter cleaning attachment, work gloves, latex gloves, and safety glasses.
2. Use the right ladder. Cleaning your gutters means working on a ladder, so if you are not comfortable doing this, contact a professional for help. Use a sturdy step ladder placed on the solid, level ground whenever possible; an extension ladder may be needed for a two-story home.
3. Use the two-bucket method. To make the job easier, use one bucket for gathering debris and a second to carry tools. Putting tools in your pocket could cause you to lose your balance and result in injury. Carry the buckets up one at a time and hook them to the ladder.
4. Clean out debris. To clean gutters, start near the downspout and remove leaves, twigs, and large debris, placing it in the bucket. Use a trowel to remove packed material and smaller debris. Wet debris can soak through gloves and leave a bad odor on your hands, so wear latex gloves under your work gloves for protection.
5. Flush the gutters and downspouts. Once large debris has been removed, use the garden hose to wash out the remaining dirt and grime. If the water doesn’t drain, there is probably a clog in the downspout. Use the hose and heavy water pressure to flush out the spout, then flush out the entire gutter system.  

Keep in mind that cleaning your own gutters is risky in that you are using a ladder and you’re high off the ground. It is OK to hire someone to clean your gutters or consider using self-cleaning gutter guards. 

Regardless of what you do, make sure you always have a partner there to help you clean your gutters to preserve the health of your home and roof! 

Clean Gutters Takeaways –

The options are obvious: clean your gutters or install gutter protection. Whether you clean your gutters yourself or have a professional gutter cleaning company take care of them for you, gutters play an integral part in your house’s ability to cope with rainwater. It is your responsibility to make sure it is clear and in functioning condition. Remember, the rule of thumb is once every three months or at the very least every fall (and then check in the spring again). 

While a DIY job is possible, It can be a hassle and potentially dangerous. Don’t take risks that you are not in a position to take! Contact a professional, let them handle it, and recommend what is best for you.

Keep in mind that cleaning your gutters is prevention! Just like getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist every six months or so, you want to make sure you prevent any big problems from arising by cleaning your gutters!

FAQ: Why You Should Clean Your Gutters

1. Why is cleaning gutters important?

Cleaning your gutters prevents water from overflowing, which can lead to damage like roof leaks, foundation cracks, and erosion of landscaping. Debris, like leaves and dirt, can clog gutters, causing water to pool or spill over, potentially leading to costly repairs.

2. How often should gutters be cleaned?

Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, typically in the spring and fall. If your home is surrounded by trees or prone to storms, more frequent cleanings may be necessary to prevent clogs.

3. What are the risks of neglecting gutters?

Neglected gutters can lead to water damage, mold growth, pest infestations, and ice dams in winter. Over time, this can compromise your home’s structural integrity, resulting in expensive repairs.

4. Can I clean gutters myself?

Yes, but it requires proper tools and safety precautions, like a sturdy ladder and gloves. For tall or hard-to-reach gutters, hiring a professional is safer and ensures thorough cleaning. Depending on your zip code, you can usually find a professional company to help you!