As exterior cleaning experts in Calgary, we hear one question more than any other this time of year: “Is it better to clean my gutters in the fall or the spring?” Homeowners want to make the most of their maintenance budget and time, and it’s tempting to think one big cleaning a year is enough.
The truth? Your gutters face two completely different battles in fall and spring. A fall cleaning prepares them for a defensive war against ice and snow, while a spring cleaning is an offensive move to manage torrential rain and snowmelt. Neglecting either one leaves your home vulnerable. Here’s a breakdown of the two distinct, essential roles these seasonal cleanings play.
The Fall Cleanup: Your Defense Against the Ice Dam Menace
Think of the fall cleanup as preventative medicine for your roof. As Calgary’s beautiful trees shed their leaves, your gutters fill up. If left unattended, this layer of organic debris becomes a dense, water-logged plug. When the first heavy, wet snow arrives, that plug prevents water from draining.
This is where the real danger begins: the dreaded ice dam. As temperatures fluctuate, melting snow pools in the clogged gutters and refreezes, creating a massive block of ice. This ice can force its way under your shingles, damage your soffits and fascia, and even cause leaks inside your home. A thorough fall cleaning, after the leaves have dropped but before the deep freeze, is the single most effective way to protect your home from costly winter water damage.
The Spring Cleanup: Protecting Your Home’s Foundation
After a long winter, it’s easy to forget about your gutters. However, the debris that accumulates over the winter months, such as shingle grit, small branches, and remnants from the fall, creates a new kind of threat.
The challenge in spring isn’t just ice; it’s the sheer volume of water. As massive amounts of snow melt from your roof and the heavy April showers begin, your gutter system is put to the test. If it’s clogged from winter debris, that water has nowhere to go but over the edge, cascading directly down to your home’s foundation. This concentrated overflow can lead to landscape erosion, cracks in your foundation, and a damp or flooded basement. The spring cleanup ensures your gutters and downspouts are clear to channel that massive influx of water safely away from your home.
The Solution: A Team Effort with Gutter Guards
So, the verdict in the great gutter debate is clear: both seasons are critical. Fall protects the top of your house, and spring protects the bottom.
To make this essential maintenance easier and more effective, consider installing gutter guards. While not a substitute for cleaning, they act as a powerful first line of defense, blocking the vast majority of leaves and large debris from ever entering your eavestroughs. This keeps them flowing better year-round and makes your biannual professional cleanings quicker and more efficient.
Leave the Ladder in the Garage
Gutter cleaning is a demanding and potentially dangerous task. Navigating ladders, especially in Calgary’s unpredictable weather, is a job best left to the professionals.
The experienced and insured team at A Touch Of Glass Inc. has the safety equipment and expertise to do the job right. We ensure your gutters are thoroughly cleared and ready to protect your home, no matter what the season throws at it.
Ready to give your home the year-round protection it deserves? Contact A Touch Of Glass Inc. today for your free, no-obligation estimate!