Gutter guards are an innovative solution to prevent gutters and downspouts from becoming clogged, avoiding rainwater overflow and enhancing the lifespan of the gutter system. They can filter the tiniest debris, making the task of gutter cleaning easier and less frequent.
But do you need to clean gutters with gutter guards? And what if it requires cleaning the gutter guards as well? If you have any of these concerns, we’re here with all the answers.
At Epic Exteriors Roofing, we’ve been educating homeowners on these kinds of topics for years. In this blog, we’ll dive into the topic of cleaning gutters with gutter guards.
Do Gutters With Gutter Guards Need To Be Cleaned?
This is a very common question homeowners have, and a simple yes or no will not do justice to the answer. So here’s the explanation: If your gutters are covered with guards, it doesn’t mean that the need to clean them is eliminated. But the good part is, the frequency and intensity of gutter cleaning are significantly reduced when the gutters are protected with proper gutter guards.
In simpler terms, gutters without guards may need to be cleaned every month, while gutters with properly installed gutter guards may only require a quick check twice a year. That’s a huge difference!
So, the next question is:
How Often Should You Clean Gutters With Gutter Guards?
The frequency of cleaning gutters with gutter guards depends on your local weather conditions and the type of gutters and gutter guards. But wait, do gutter guards need to be cleaned as well? The answer is that everything requires a certain amount of upkeep to remain in good shape, so maintaining and cleaning your gutter guards is a good idea. In areas with frequent storms, cleaning gutter guards may always be necessary, as moisture and extreme weather can shorten their lifespan if their maintenance is completely ignored.
Here’s a guideline to help you determine how often you should inspect and clean gutters that are protected by gutter guards based on certain weather conditions:
Frequent Or Heavy Rains
If you live in a region with a lot of rain, such as Washington, Oregon, or Florida, you may need to check your gutters more often, say once or twice a year. You may still need to clean out any debris that gets trapped in the guards, and you also need to check whether your gutter guards work in heavy rain and if you’ve chosen the right model.
High Winds Or Tornadoes
If you live in a windy region, such as Ohio or Oklahoma, debris such as leaves and twigs, can easily get trapped around the gutters and their guards. This frequently happens when they loosen up or sag due to the force of high, swirling winds. So you should remove debris from the gutters or guards as soon as you see something stuck there. Otherwise, the next wind-driven rain will cause roof drainage problems. It’s best to inspect the gutters before and after the storm season.
Snow & Ice
Freezing climates can reduce the lifespan of gutters and gutter guards if they are not made of sturdy materials. If you live in a snowy climate, such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, or New York, it’s best to inspect and clean the gutters before winter arrives, and after the snow melts away completely.
Mixed Weather
If you live in New Jersey, you’ll know there’s a mix of rain, wind, and snow. So it’s best to inspect your gutters at least three times a year, especially before and after wintertime and after a heavy downpour. This way, you can ensure the gutters and their guards are functioning correctly and avoid any potential damage to your home.
The next question is, how do you clean gutters and guards? Cleaning gutters with gutter guards is a fairly simple process, and there are two ways to do it: The first is by removing the guards, but the second doesn’t involve removing them.
If you’re a homeowner or someone who’s not handy with such projects, it’s best not to remove gutter guards yourself, as the installation can be tricky, and any mistake can lead to leaks in the future. So, here are the steps to clean your gutters without removing the guards.
How Do You Clean Gutters Without Removing Gutter Guards?
The best way to clean gutters with gutter guards is pressure washing. You don’t need to remove the gutter guards, and spraying high-pressure water is enough to push away any debris down the pipes. So, here’s a list of items that you may need:
- Gloves
- Protective eyeglasses
- A sturdy ladder
- Trowel
- Long hose with a spray nozzle
- Plumbing snake
Step 1: Put on your gloves and glasses. Use a sturdy ladder to reach your gutters, and make sure it is secured to a safe, even surface.
Step 2: Climb up the ladder and check the gutter guards for any visible debris. If you see leaves or branches, use a trowel or your hands to remove them.
Step 3: Use the hose to blast away any debris accumulated inside the gutters. Start at one end and work towards the other, rinsing out all the dirt.
Step 4: Check your downspouts for any clogs. Use a plumbing snake to clear out anything stuck at the downspout’s exit.
After cleaning the gutters and guards, if you still face clogs or leaks, this may have something to do with the installation. For maximum efficiency, it’s always helpful to select the best gutter guards according to your local weather conditions. Additionally, you must make sure that the installation isn’t faulty. If you live near the Jersey shore, we can help identify the real cause of your rain gutter problems.
We Offer Free Consultations & Inspections
At Epic Exteriors Roofing, we’ve been improving roofs and gutter systems for years! Being a part of the New Jersey community, we know how crucial it is to protect your home with a sturdy gutter system. Over the years, countless homeowners have trusted us with their home’s safety and functionality. You can trust our honest and knowledgeable team to solve all your doubts and help you get highly efficient gutters and guards.
If you need help identifying and solving any problems with your roof drainage system, call us at (609)-342-9829. We’ll be happy to offer you a free consultation and inspection.