Calgary homeowners often overlook gutter maintenance, assuming their gutters are fine until they face costly water damage. Your gutters play a critical role in protecting your home from potential harm, especially in the diverse and often harsh climate of Calgary and surrounding areas like Airdrie, Chestermere, and Okotoks. So, how often should you clean your gutters? Let’s break it down clearly.
Why Cleaning Gutters Is Essential
Gutters are designed to channel water away from your home’s foundation, siding, and roofing. When clogged with leaves, dirt, or debris, gutters overflow, leading to several issues:
- Foundation damage
- Basement flooding
- Wood rot on siding and fascia
- Roof leaks and damage
- Pest infestations
- Mold and mildew growth
Regular gutter cleaning is an essential preventive measure that can save homeowners thousands in repair costs.
General Recommendations for Gutter Cleaning
Generally speaking, gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year:
- Spring Cleaning: Early spring cleaning removes debris accumulated during winter, preparing gutters for spring rains.
- Fall Cleaning: Mid-to-late autumn cleaning clears out leaves and branches accumulated from shedding trees before winter snowfall.
However, the actual frequency can vary based on several factors, including your local environment and weather conditions.
Specific Gutter Cleaning Frequency for Calgary
Calgary’s unique climate demands special attention when it comes to gutter maintenance:
Spring (Late March – Early May)
In Calgary, snow melts rapidly as warmer temperatures arrive. Gutters must handle large amounts of water efficiently. Clearing winter debris before heavy rains begin is critical to preventing water overflow and damage.
Early Summer (June)
In June, Calgary experiences seedling drops, increased pollen, and frequent summer storms. Another gutter check can ensure your system is functioning optimally during the wettest months.
Fall (September – November)
Fall in Calgary brings rapid leaf accumulation. Ideally, gutters should be cleaned at the start and end of autumn. This ensures leaves and twigs are removed before they become heavy, wet clogs under snow and ice in winter.
Winter Considerations
Calgary’s harsh winters can cause ice dams in clogged gutters. Regularly inspecting and cleaning gutters before winter is essential for avoiding ice build-up and subsequent water infiltration into the home.
Signs Your Gutters Need Immediate Cleaning
Outside of regular maintenance, homeowners in Calgary should watch for signs indicating immediate gutter cleaning needs:
- Water overflowing from gutters during rainfall
- Visible sagging or pulling away of gutters
- Vegetation or plants growing from gutters
- Presence of pests like birds, squirrels, or insects
- Visible cracks, splits, or rusted areas
How A Touch Of Glass Can Help
A Touch Of Glass has been Calgary’s trusted gutter cleaning specialist since 2008, proudly serving communities including Airdrie, Chestermere, and Okotoks. Here’s how we help:
Comprehensive Multi-Point Inspection
We meticulously inspect your gutter system and provide detailed photo and video reports, so you always know the condition of your gutters.
Thorough Debris and Downspout Cleaning
We clear out leaves, twigs, dirt, and remove stubborn clogs from downspouts, ensuring optimal water flow.
Major Clog Removal Included
Unlike other providers, major downspout clog removal is part of our standard service, giving you peace of mind without additional charges.
Optional Debris Bagging
We offer convenient debris bagging at just $10 per bag, leaving your property clean and debris-free.
Experienced and Reliable Team
With over 17 years of industry experience, our reliable team delivers consistent, high-quality results. We treat your property like our own, ensuring every job meets our rigorous standards.
Schedule Regular Maintenance With Touch Of Glass
Gutter cleaning is an essential maintenance task that Calgary homeowners shouldn’t ignore. The recommended frequency of cleaning at least twice a year, and possibly more often, depending on your surroundings. Gutter claening is critical for safeguarding your home from costly damage.
At Touch Of Glass, we simplify gutter maintenance with professional, efficient, and transparent service. Contact us today for a free estimate and experience firsthand why countless Calgary homeowners trust our team for reliable gutter cleaning.
Protect your investment – schedule your next gutter cleaning with Touch Of Glass!
