How Often Should I Clean My Gutters?

Guttering is important to the wellbeing of any property, because it keeps water away from the walls and foundations. But it can only do that if it’s clean and clear, allowing water to run freely through and down the downpipes.

The solution? Keep your gutters clear with regular cleaning. This post looks at how often gutter cleaning is required and some important factors to consider.

Why they need to be clean

It’s not just proper function that makes cleaning your gutters essential. Leaving debris like leaves and twigs to build up will create extra weight and pressure for your gutters, which becomes worse as water is held within the blockage. This can lead to gutters cracking, sagging or pulling away, which will cost more to repair than a simple gutter clearance service.

Having your gutters cleaned is also the perfect opportunity for a health check. When professionals are clearing out your gutters, they might spot a small crack or sag emerging, which can easily be remedied when it’s caught early on.

How often to clean gutters

As a rule of thumb, gutters should be cleaned once a year to keep things running smoothly. This requires a suitable ladder, thick gloves and tools to actually clean out the gutters. A proper job will ensure water can flow freely through your gutters and prevent any problems developing in the near future.

While some property owners think it’s a good idea to clean their gutters, it really isn’t something you should try yourself. Cleaning gutters is a simple job for professional roofers, meaning they can do it quickly and safely at minimal cost. Attempting it yourself, on the other hand, could risk damage to your gutters, your roof and yourself.

Important considerations

While annual gutter clearance is suitable for most properties, your gutters may need cleaning more frequently if there are trees nearby. Trees are the most common source of debris in gutters, with leaves and twigs falling – especially in autumn.

If your property has trees in close proximity, or even around it where leaves could be blown into your gutters, it’s best to get them cleaned every six months.

You may also encounter problems if your guttering is particularly high or hard to reach. Even professional roofers could struggle to access it with ladders alone. And it’s really not worth having them try without the right equipment, as it will risk their safety and the condition of your property.

If this is the case, be sure to find a roofing company with access to an elevating work platform. This will allow them to access your gutters safely and clean them properly without any complications or unnecessary delays.

Professional gutter clearance

Gutter clearance is a simple job with the right equipment and expertise. At DPR Roofing in Leeds, we tick both boxes, with over 30 years’ experience in roofing and guttering. Our gutter clearance services will keep your guttering in the best condition, preventing any problems developing in the future.