Should I Clean My Gutters in the Spring?

It’s finally beginning to feel as though spring’s on the way. That can mean a lot of things — the weather’s getting warmer, more flowers are coming out, and Easter’s just around the corner. But does it also mean that the gutters in your house need to be cleaned?

Why Do You Need to Clean Your Gutters?

The guttering system for your home, consisting of gutters and downpipes, is a crucial part of your roof. Its job is to take whatever rainwater falls on the roof (and there’s been no shortage of that lately) and direct it safely down into the drains.

The problem is that the guttering can get clogged up by dirt, leaves, twigs and other debris flying around in the wind, and this prevents the water from reaching the drains. It can pool on the roof, which puts pressure on the materials and risks leaks, or else spill over the gutters and get into the foundations.

Cleaning Your Gutters in Spring

Your gutters are likely to need cleaning out whenever there’s been a storm or high winds, but there should also be scheduled cleans at the very least twice a year. One of these occasions is spring when the wild weather of winter is coming to an end.

At this time of year, there’s likely to be a build-up of debris after the winter storms, so it’s an important time to schedule one of those cleaning sessions. The gutters need to be cleaned out with a brush, and it’s also vital to rod the downpipes, ensuring that the flow of water isn’t blocked.

At the same time, you’ll need to check for any damage to the guttering. This could be cracked gutters or pipes, or else the guttering could be coming away from the wall. This would result in water falling onto the ground and causing problems for the foundations, so it’s vital for any damage to be repaired — if possible, before the next heavy rain.

Who Should Clean Your Gutters?

Cleaning out gutters is a job you might be able to do yourself — if you’re a skilled and experienced DIYer. It involves climbing a high ladder, so you’ll need not only to be good with heights but also, even more crucially, to have both the equipment and knowledge to work safely on ladders.

On the other hand, if you bring in a specialist roofing contractor, they’ll be able to assess the situation, clean the gutters and make any repairs with a minimum of drama. They’ll also, while up there, be in a position to cast an expert eye over your roof at close quarters to identify any general problems that might be developing.

If you need professionals to clean your guttering this spring, or at any other time, give Empire a call to find out what we can do for you.