If you live in a place that gets a lot of rain, you’re probably already well aware of how important it is to have durable rain gutters installed on your roof. Gutters and downspouts keep rainwater from damaging your home’s siding and foundation. This means that you won’t have to worry about things like water damage and mold — both of which are issues that can be expensive to fix.

You may already know how gutters work and why they’re important, but have you ever wondered about the little known gutter facts that only gutter contractors can tell you? If so, we’ve got you covered! Storm Master Gutters employs the best rain gutter installation contractors around, so we know all of the insider secrets. We’re about to share those secrets with you in today’s blog post, so stick around!

Professionally Cleaning Gutters is Quite the Process

Gutter cleaning professionals typically begin their work by removing debris from the roof. They use tools to vacuum debris along the entire length of the gutter. Water pressure tools are then used to flush the downspouts, and similar tools are used to clean the rest of the system.

Afterward, they rinse the gutters to get rid of any leftover dirt and tidy up the exterior of the gutter system. For tough spots, they use brushes that usually come with specialized extension tools. In most cases, the best gutter companies — like Storm Master Gutters — will dispose of the debris they’ve removed.

Decent Gutter Guards Are Worth It

A gutter guard system acts as a physical barrier, allowing water to flow into your gutters while keeping debris out. If your home is surrounded by trees that shed a lot of debris, investing in professionally installed, high-quality gutter guards can be worthwhile. They can help minimize gutter problems, although regular cleaning is still necessary.

However, inexpensive gutter guards bought from stores may cause more harm than good, especially if not installed correctly. The saying, “You get what you pay for,” is relevant when it comes to do-it-yourself (DIY) gutter guards. Some DIY options can be effective, but it’s always a good idea to choose decent quality guards and carefully follow the installation instructions (or get them professionally installed).

How Often You Need to Clean Your Gutters Depends

Homeowners are often advised to clean their gutters at least twice a year, which is a good rule of thumb in most cases. However, the frequency of gutter cleaning actually depends on the type of gutters you have installed, as well as the amount of debris that builds up in your gutters over time.

If your house is surrounded by lots of tall trees, you might need to clean your gutters monthly during the summer. On the other hand, if there are no trees nearby, an annual cleaning is likely sufficient. It’s also worth noting that new asphalt shingles can shed debris that may lead to gutter issues, so you should definitely check your gutters regularly if you’ve recently had a roof installed.

Misconceptions About Gutter Guards Can Cause Problems

Incorrectly setting up gutter guards can end up costing you a lot of money. Here’s why: If you mistakenly believe that your gutters don’t need cleaning because of the guards, the gutter system may eventually stop working.

Not only that, but if this system failure occurs during freezing temperatures, it could lead to an ice dam that might damage your roof and cause serious problems. If you want to ensure that you have gutter guards that work well and will last for the long term, make sure to hire a professional gutter installer through Storm Master Gutters.

Cleaning Gutters Can Be Very Dangerous

Taking on the task of cleaning your gutters by yourself can be quite risky and even dangerous unless you have the proper knowledge of how to do so. Every year, hundreds of people end up in the hospital because of accidents related to using ladders.

If you live in an area with a lot of rain, you’ll likely end up having to walk on your roof while it’s slick and slippery — which can only end badly. Given the high risk and potential danger involved in this job, you’ll probably want to hire a professional. They’re specifically trained for this, after all!

Mosquitos Love Clogged Gutters

This isn’t something that most people spend a lot of time thinking about, but it might give you some incentive to clean out your gutters more often. Mosquitos like to breed in standing water, and your rain gutters are the perfect place for them to do this.

This could make it easier for them to get into your house, which is never good. Keep your gutters clean and you won’t have to worry so much about creepy crawlies.

8-Inch Gutters Are Better For Homes in Areas With Lots of Rainfall

A good gutter contractor will be able to tell you what size rain gutters you should get after doing an initial assessment of your roof and property. If you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain, 8-inch gutters are usually the way to go.

8-inch gutters are a lot better at draining large amounts of water, so you won’t have to worry about flooding. Clearing debris from bigger gutters also tends to be a lot easier. It’s always a good idea to pair bigger gutters with bigger downspouts — that way, the flow of water will be more consistent.

Set up a Consultation With a Professional Gutter Contractor Near You

If you’ve spent a lot of time looking up things like “gutter contractors near me,” or “best gutter company,” you’re certainly not alone! Just know that we’ve got you covered. Storm Master Gutters has plenty of gutter options for those who are looking to replace their rain gutters or install them for the first time. Feel free to reach out to us if you have questions about gutter installation or anything else, and get a free estimate today!