Gutter cleaning is a typical responsibility for any homeowner. You might be doing it, but are you doing it correctly? Here are some common myths about gutter cleanings that you shouldn’t believe if you want to get the job done right.

Myth 1: Gutter cleanings are a once-a-year thing

Wrong. Gutter cleanings need to be done at least twice a year. It’s understandable that you don’t want to climb up your ladder and do the dirty work more often than you have to, but the condition of your home depends on it. That’s right. We’re talking about water damage. Your clogged, unclean gutter can seriously damage your home.

Myth 2: Getting out the junk is enough

I got the debris out of my gutters, so I’m good, right? Not really. It’s important to clean out the sticks, twigs, leaves, and other debris from your gutters, but that’s not all the gutter cleaning job entails. During the process, you should be flushing out the system so you can check for leaks, cracks, holes, etc. You also want to make sure the downspouts are diverted far enough away from your house so the water drains properly.

Myth 3: I can finish my gutter cleanings in a few minutes

It may seem obvious now after reading the section above, but cleaning your gutters is a job that is rather involved. This is not to scare you away from doing it; it’s meant to get you prepared to do a thorough job. Make sure you have all the proper gear, like a ladder, gloves, and a hose, and go to town.

Myth 4: It doesn’t matter when I clean my gutters

So now that you understand most of what gutter cleaning entails, you think that you can do them whenever you want and call it a day. That’s not really true, though. The time of year you clean your gutters can determine the effectiveness of your cleaning. The fall and spring are typically the best time to clean your gutter. If you notice that they are sagging, clogged, or not draining properly, though, you should clean them sooner/more often.

Myth 5: I don’t need gutter guards

It’s true that you don’t need gutter guards, but they really do make your life so much easier. They keep large debris from falling into and clogging your gutters, so when you have to clean them, the job isn’t as difficult. They are especially helpful if you have a lot of trees surrounding your home.

On average, a roof can collect more than 600 gallons of water after just one inch of rainfall. Just one-eighth of an inch of rain is enough to fill a 54-gallon rain barrel. If your gutters are clogged, think about how many gallons of water might be stuck in them. Make sure you clean them thoroughly at least twice a year to save your gutters and your house from serious damage.