Gutter cleaning is one of those tasks where you think you have plenty of time to do it, until you realize it’s not true. In Ontario, where the weather is always changing, delaying gutter cleaning can be a real problem.
So, how much time does it really take to get it done, especially if you’re a senior citizen. Below we’ll show you what the most common gutter cleaning timelines are so you can plan your gutter cleaning for seniors, whether you do it yourself or seek help from the professionals.
Importance of Keeping Your Gutters Clean
You should keep in mind that gutters keep rainwater away from your house, saving the roof area as well as the walls and foundation. Yes, you have clogged gutters, it prevents the water from being safely and functionally conducted to an area away from the foundation.
If you are an older person, you want to clean your gutters, there is always the option of hiring a regular cleaning service to keep them clean to avoid any kind of problems.
Most gutter cleaning professionals agree that they should be cleaned at least a couple of times a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. However, homes with many trees around them may require more frequent cleanings to ensure that the gutters are free of pests and dirt.
It’s labor-intensive work, but if you avoid it; you may well have to make heavy repairs later.
Factors Affecting Gutter Cleaning Time
There are several factors that can change the time it normally takes a professional to clean your gutters, the most common are:
- The size of the house: larger houses have longer gutters, so obviously that translates into more time required.
- The height of the house: single-story houses are usually quicker to clean than multi-story houses because they require you to climb on top.
- The type and volume of debris in the gutters: the trees surrounding your house have a lot of influence. For example, deciduous trees are likely to drop more leaves, while evergreens add their needles, which can form denser clogs.
- Weather: changing weather before cleaning can add to the list of things to do. Like when a storm hits, that washes debris into your gutters.
- The condition of the gutters: the condition your gutters are in can affect the time it takes to clean them: they will be harder to clean if you haven’t really serviced your gutters in a long time.
- If the gutters are broken or require repair: extra time is needed to fix the problems while you do the cleaning.
Gutter cleaning: An overview
The average for a gutter cleaning of any single-story house is two to four hours. If your house is larger or has more than one floor, it can take an entire afternoon. The important thing is to have all your tools ready: a stepladder, gloves, a shovel and possibly a garden hose to rinse it out.
When you decide to begin this gutter cleaning task, safety should be your primary concern. Check that the ladder is firm and level, it is also advisable to have someone nearby to lend a hand if something goes wrong or to watch what you are doing.
Use gloves to remove larger debris clogging the gutters, and then rinse out the smaller particles while checking that the water is flowing freely down the drains.
Take breaks when necessary, especially if it’s hot, or you get tired. If the process is too much work, you can always opt to have a professional complete it.
Professional gutter cleaning services
For those who prefer not to get on a ladder and do the dirty work themselves, hiring the work of a professional is always an easy way to go. Gutter Cleaning experts in Etobicoke bring their professional equipment and cleaning techniques to ensure proper and thorough service the first time.
The average time it usually takes a professional to clean gutters is one to two hours, depending on how big or small the house is.
Professional services include an inspection and small repairs if necessary, as well as cleaning. Their function is to save you time and reduce any risk of possible injury from ladders and debris.
And that’s because, safety is always going to be an important factor, especially for elderly homeowners, for whom gutter cleaning can be an incredibly dangerous activity if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Seasonal considerations for gutter cleaning.
As the seasons change, so do the challenges of keeping your gutters clean.
The burst of flower petals and pollen, as well as the pesky little flowers that resurface in the spring, can also contribute to clogs. With proper spring cleaning, your gutters will be prepared for the torrential downpours common this time of year and will be able to handle water properly without causing overflows.
Related Read: Does Gutter Cleaning Include Downspouts?
Leaves falling from trees in the fall quickly clog gutters. If possible, it’s best to schedule a cleaning just after most of the leaves have fallen, before the first frost. This ensures that your gutters are clean and free of debris before winter snow and ice.
In places with harsh winters, a second cleaning just before freezing weather can reduce ice dam formation and prevent gutter damage. Accompanied by checkups a couple of times a year, you can make sure your gutters continue to perform optimally, regardless of the season.
Tips for year-round gutter care
Regular cleaning is important, but here are some ways to keep your gutters in good shape longer so you won’t have to climb a ladder again anytime soon:
- Gutter guards: although far from foolproof, gutter guards can reduce the amount of dirt that gets into your gutters and, therefore, the maintenance work they require. (Read also, Do You Need To Clean Gutters With Gutter Guards?)
- Cut back overhanging branches that drop leaves and twigs into gutters: trimming trees and shrubs that overhang into your home’s gutters will also help keep out anything that can clog a gutter.
- Periodic inspections: can also help identify and rectify small problems before they escalate.
- Schedule regular cleanings and follow a maintenance routine: this can ensure that your gutters stay in pristine condition year-round.
It takes time and effort, but doing a little preparation to have clean gutters is a must if you have the protection of your home’s foundation in mind.
Conclusion
Even though it might take some effort, investing in gutter maintenance is a commitment that can pay off over the long haul, as it protects against risk of damage and reduces the need for expensive repairs. Start working on your gutters today and we’re sure you won’t regret it!