When was the last time you cleaned out your gutters? Chances are, you don’t have a ready answer to that question. Unless you had new gutters installed within the last year, you probably don’t have gutters that are as clean as they should be.

You’re probably wondering why you need to keep your gutters clean in the first place. Surely they get cleaned when it rains? It’s reasonable enough to think along these lines, but in reality you have to focus on what else might land in your gutters apart from water.

Grit, dirt and leaves

The content of your gutters will depend on what’s located nearby. For example, if you have overhanging trees nearby, you can pretty much guarantee getting leaves in them in the autumn. These can quickly break down and clog up the guttering and the downpipe. Next time it rains your guttering won’t be able to handle the deluge of water it has to cope with.

Even if you are free from leaves, you’d be surprised how much grit and dirt can accumulate on the average roof. The older your roof is, the more likely it is it will be affected by moss and other things that can come loose and end up in your guttering.

How can you tell whether your gutters need cleaning?

Next time it rains, take an umbrella and head outside to see what’s happening. If you’ve got a good flow of water in the drainpipe and nothing is spilling over the gutters themselves, they should be clean. However, if you have got water spilling over the sides and precious little is coming through the drainpipe, your gutters need cleaning as soon as possible.

Can’t you just do this yourself?

You can if you live in a bungalow, you have a stable ladder and you are not afraid of heights. However, if you live in a house you probably don’t want the trouble of doing it yourself. You may not have the time either. Fortunately, there are professionals who can provide expert gutter cleaning services for you to take advantage of. Once you’ve had them cleaned the first time, you can ask for them to come back on an annual basis to have them done regularly.

The knock-on effects of clogged guttering

If you think clean gutters aren’t that important, think again. The more clogged they get, the less able they are to do what they’re designed to do. If they can’t cope with the flow of water when it rains, that water will be sent over the sides of the gutter and down your walls. Over time, this can cause serious damage. Damp and water damage can easily occur both inside and outside your home – and this can be costly to repair.

In the end, a quick annual clean of your gutters is by far the best solution. Not only will you keep them clean, you’ll also be able to prevent a host of other more serious problems arising at your property.