How Often Should Gutters Be Cleaned in North Carolina?

Gutter cleaning is one of those homeowner tasks that very few of us want to handle. Depending on your roofline, it can be tricky to get up there and clean gutters. Many Apex homeowners ask us how often their gutters should be cleaned. 

Why should I have my gutters cleaned?
Clean gutters ensure that water will flow away from your home during heavy rains to protect your foundation, prevent roof leaks, prevent soil erosion and more. You will know when your gutters are clogged if you see rain flowing out over the horizontal edge (a waterfall) especially during heavy downpours. In some cases, a clogged downspout may be to blame. Often we see both a downspout clogged as well as extra leaves, twigs, and pine needles built up throughout the gutter. 

How often should I clean my gutters?
Gutter cleaning should be done once a year at a minimum. If you live near many trees — as many of us do in North Carolina! — you might consider cleaning your gutters twice a year. Some of our Triangle customers prefer one cleaning in the spring to remove the winter debris and one in the late fall to remove the leaves. We also work with homeowners who have many pine trees nearby and need to have needles removed/blown out. 

I have gutter guards. Do I still need to clean my gutters?
Possibly. If you are concerned about a clog or see rainwater not flowing, you need to have them cleaned. We also clean gutters for many homeowners with gutter guards by removing the twigs and pine needles that accumulate around the edges and hang over the gutter line. Pine needles, in particular, can cause problems and build up. 

What’s the dirtiest gutter you’ve seen?
We once cleaned a gutter that was absolutely full of dirt. The dirt was similar to potting soil and required a lot of effort to scoop and clean. We’ve also seen gutters with very large branches stuck in them or even a large tree trunk on the roof nearby. The homeowner had no idea, which makes sense: you had to be up there to see it! 

I want my gutters washed on the outside so they are less dirty. Can Squeegee Squad do that?
Yes, in some cases. Dirt builds up on the gutter exterior in some homes, and you may want to remove it for a fresher look. Please talk to us about this during your estimate. A standard “gutter cleaning” is to remove debris and ensure water will flow. That work does not include washing the metal gutters themselves. If you are seeking a wash, that may be part of the pressure washing work we do or we can use a water fed pole to gently clean the gutter outside. However, we need to know in advance what you are seeking so we can estimate it appropriately and ensure the team has the proper equipment on hand.

Ready for your gutter cleaning? Request a quote via the form on our site or call us at 984-351-4001.