Homeowners know our Kentucky homes have more than four seasons. Sure, we enjoy spring, summer, fall, and winter the same as everyone else. But we also have grass-cutting season, raking season, and gutter-cleaning season. Just how many gutter-cleaning seasons should we have?

Safety First

Before tackling any home project, remember to let safety guide your every step. Extension ladders are helpful when cleaning gutters, but know your limits. If you do not feel comfortable on a ladder, consider a gutter cleaning service. Wear protective gear, too:

  • Safety glasses or goggles
  • Long sleeves
  • Thick gloves
  • Work boots, not sneakers

Be prepared to encounter stinging insects who have established nests in your gutters. Have a plan for disposing of the leaf litter you remove from the gutters. Simply tossing the smelly, decaying, organic debris onto your flower beds may not satisfy everyone in your home.

Coniferous and Deciduous Trees

If your Central Kentucky home stands proudly amid tall trees, you need to clean your gutters twice a year. For you, gutter-cleaning seasons are early spring and late fall. Spring winds and rain move twigs and leaves from your roof into your gutters. Autumn deposits deciduous tree leaves into the gutters. Conifers lose needles, too, which can clog downspouts.

If your home is not closely ringed by trees, you may be able to get away with a single fall cleaning. Wait until most of the leaves have fallen, but be prepared to climb a ladder again after strong winds, since they can whip up fallen leaves and redeposit them in your gutters.

Dropping Temperatures

Even if you clean your gutters in late fall, you may want to perform one last inspection in early winter as temperatures drop. The last leaves of autumn, the broken twigs of winter winds, and the bits of bark falling into your gutters can freeze in place, reducing the capacity of your home’s gutters to handle meltwater on warm winter days.

Throughout the winter, your gutters should stay clean and clear. Cycles of freezes and thaws move water off your roof and through your gutters, keeping your fascia boards dry. Clogged gutters in winter often lead to roof leaks in early spring.

Connect with us today to arrange for gutter services for your Central Kentucky home. We can provide expert installation, Leaf Rejector gutter guards, and impeccable customer service to protect your home and roof.

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