When is the last time you’ve had your gutters cleaned? If you can’t remember, chances are this project is long overdue! Though gutter cleaning may not be the most glamourous thing on your to-do list, making a point of getting this household task completed every year is critical for the ongoing maintenance of your home.

If you’re new to gutter cleaning, here are some tips for getting started:

Gutter cleaning

1. Establish a regular cleaning schedule. 

Experts typically recommend having gutters cleaned every four to six months, especially in the spring and fall. The frequency can depend largely on how many trees are in your yard, as large amounts of debris from leaves can quickly cause your gutters to back up and overflow. Often a visual inspection of your gutters will indicate the need for cleaning and any possible repairs. Some of the warning signs of clogged or damaged gutters include accumulated water on your lawn or driveway; water leakage anywhere inside your home; and the incidence of rodents nesting in gutters.

2. Implement preventative solutions. 

To rectify a build-up of debris, high-quality gutter covers or sealants are generally the best option for decreasing the amount of gutter maintenance you’ll have to do on a yearly basis. You can also consider installing gutter screens to filter out large amounts of debris and facilitate better drainage. Other simple preventive measures include trimming overhanging tree branches once a year, as well as cleaning your roof to eliminate additional debris from entering your gutters.

3. Hire a professional. 

While many homeowners opt to do gutter cleaning themselves, the process can be dangerous – especially for someone who is new to the task! Rather than risk your own safety, it’s usually best to hire an insured professional who knows what to look for and can remediate any problems in the most effective and efficient way. A trained professional will not only clean your gutters but can make any necessary repairs that are needed to prevent any further damage to your roof or home at large. Hourly rates for professional services will generally depend on the length of your gutters, size of your home, and overall scope of work that will need to be done. 

When it comes to effective gutter cleaning, consistency is key. Being proactive with regular gutter maintenance will ultimately prevent larger, more expensive repairs from being needed in the future. 

Call AVA to Clean Your Gutters

Planning to get your gutters cleaned this summer? Contact AVA Roofing and learn how our team can assist with this process.  

Did you know that as simple a chore as cleaning your home’s gutters can prevent serious problems down the road? Poorly-functioning gutters can cause water to back up in your gutter system, causing any number of different issues in your home. Here’s a quick look at why it’s vital that you don’t skip this simple household chore.

Avoid Moisture Damage and Ice Dams by Gutter Cleaning

When your gutters are full of debris, they can very easily become backed up with water from rainstorms, especially heavy showers. This is caused by the debris preventing the water from draining out of the system as it was intended in your home’s design. This creates extra weight in your gutters that your home’s fascia is not necessarily designed to withstand, leading to cracking and water damage.

Excess Moisture Causes Serious Damage

If the rain happens when the temperatures are cold or the rain begins to switch to ice, it’s very easy for the water to back up onto your roof. This water can get underneath your roofing materials, causing leaks. If it’s not taken care of promptly and properly, it’s very easy for this excess moisture to cause serious damage to your roof’s decking materials. If left untreated, this backup can form an ice dam, which can add a serious load to your roof’s structure while causing a lot of damage to the roofing materials themselves. This can also cause leaks to form later on in the year, when a warm winter’s day causes the ice to thaw and leak into your home.

Poor-Functioning Gutters Lead to Siding Damage

Poorly-functioning gutters can also cause water to overflow onto your siding. Because siding is somewhat protected by the roof overhang on your home, it’s more sensitive to water than your roofing materials are. When water overflows behind your gutters, it can splash your siding. Algae can build up in your gutters, causing staining.

AVA Can Help You Avoid This Damage

By taking on as simple a task as cleaning out your gutters regularly, you can avoid this kind of damage to your home’s structure, siding and roofing. If you have had damage to your roof from ice dams or staining on your siding from overflowing gutters, we can help you get your home back to looking beautiful again. Please feel free to contact AVA Roofing & Siding today with any questions, to get more information or to request a free estimate from our experienced professional contractors.

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