Cleaning the gutters is a hassle for many homeowners; however, having clean gutters is essential to preventing water damage and other concerns, like freezing and pests. Plus, it helps keep your home looking nice and tidy! You might be wondering how often you should clean your gutters. The truth is, the answer varies depending on where you live. In this blog, we've assembled a few pro-approved pointers on when you should clean out your gutters to get the most out of them. Read on to learn more.

So, How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

So, the good news is that you don’t have to clean your gutters as often as you think. Generally, you should get your trusty ladder out of the garage to clean your gutters twice a year, and at the very minimum, you should clean them at least once in the late fall to prevent debris buildup that hinders their performance. Folks surrounded by foliage and other gorgeous greenery may have to clean their gutters more frequently. For instance, if your home is near a crowd of angry oak trees that throw acorns into your gutters on a regular basis, we recommend having those gutters cleaned every three months. Cleaning your gutters more frequently will ensure they are free from debris and do what they’re supposed to do every day of the year.

The Best Time for Gutter Cleaning

Cleaning your gutters is a seasonal task. Specifically, spring and fall are the best times to clean your gutters. Incorporating gutter cleaning into your list of spring-cleaning to-dos will help prepare your gutters for summer foliage and the consistent rainfall that comes with the changing seasons. Spring cleaning also gives you a golden opportunity to check your gutters' health following winter freezes and look for leaks or other damage. After summer comes and goes, it's time to clean your gutters again toward the beginning of fall. Fall cleaning will help remove debris from the season's change and fallen leaves. Plus, cleaning your gutters in the fall versus the summer gives you an opportunity to beat the heat.

Why Should You Clean Your Gutters?

As you read this blog, you might be wondering: do I really have to clean my gutters? The short answer is yes, you do. Gutters play a very important role in preserving the condition of your home. For instance, clogged gutters can lead to flooding issues, build up debris, and damage your foundation over time if standing water collects around your home. Flooded gutters also create an opportunity for pests to breed in standing water. Neglecting to keep up with your gutters in the spring and fall could mean dealing with more mosquitos and other unwanted insects in the summer. In other words, cleaning your gutters twice a year could save you a fortune on citronella candles. However, if you don’t have the tools necessary to clean your gutters, don’t panic. Professional gutter cleaning services like the Window Genie are often around the corner to lend a helping hand. Cleaning your gutters requires you to have the necessary gear, including protective masks and safety goggles, to ensure debris and other particles don’t get into your eyes. In many cases, trusting a professional service could save you heaps of time and money trying to source these materials and do the work yourself.

Home Features That Can Increase the Need for Gutter Cleaning

The nature surrounding your home might warrant additional cleanings throughout the year. When figuring out how often you should plan to clean out your gutters, consider the following factors: Location: If your home is at the bottom of a slope or in a low-lying area, it may be more prone to flooding. This would make gutter cleaning vital to keeping as much water away from your foundation as possible. Local Rainfall: The amount of heavy storms and rainfall in your home’s area can affect how often your gutters need to be cleaned. Foliage: If you have many mature trees and thick foliage around your home, this may clog up your gutters faster than an area without trees. Pine trees: Pine trees especially can require more frequent cleanings, as they shed their needles year-round.

Professional Gutter Cleaning With Window Genie

So there you have it, while gutter cleaning can be a challenging task without the proper equipment, it’s a very necessary step in maintaining your home. On the bright side, you only have to clean your gutters twice a year depending on where you live. Not only does regular gutter cleaning keep your home looking nice and clean, but it also preserves its foundation while keeping pests away. If you need help getting the job done or just want to eliminate the hassle of cleaning your gutters altogether, the professionals at Window Genie are here to help. Window Genie provides professional gutter cleaning services. Our pre-screened service professionals are fully insured and vetted to serve your home, meaning you can let us take care of it with peace of mind. And to top it all off, our Neighborly Done Right Promise™ guarantees satisfaction for every customer: if it’s not done right the first time, we will make it right. View our locations to find the closest Window Genie to your home!
Gutters are an essential yet often overlooked component of every home's exterior. They play a vital role in protecting your property from water damage and maintaining its structural integrity.  But have you ever wondered how gutters actually work?  Here, we will delve into how gutters function, why they are so important, and how to maintain them for long-term use. Learn more about how gutters work from the experts at Window Genie today, then check out our locations to get a gutter cleaning scheduled for your home.

How Do Gutters Work?

Gutter systems are placed at the edges of a roof to collect rainwater and direct it to the ground, away from the house. Gutters channel water through downspouts, which are vertical attachments that empty runoff water into a safe drainage system. Gutters can direct water into areas that will not damage the foundation over time. They can also redirect water into hoses or rain barrels that allow runoff to be utilized for gardens or during dry spells.

Why Are Gutters Important?

Gutters play a crucial role in managing water around the exterior of your house. They collect rainwater and direct it away from the home's foundation, walls, and other vulnerable areas. When it rains or storms, gutters collect the water that runs off your roof and directs it to downspouts that carry water away from your house. These downspouts prevent water from pooling around the foundation, windows, doors, and other areas it can damage. Without gutters, rainwater cascades off the roof and falls directly near the house's foundation. This can eventually lead to soil erosion and water pooling around the base of the home. The excess water can seep into the foundation over time and flood basements and crawl spaces. Excessive water exposure can also cause damage beyond basements and crawl spaces. Gutters prevent rainwater from saturating the soil near the foundation, which leads to moisture infiltration. Moisture infiltration can seep into the walls, causing water stains, rotting wood, and even mold growth. Gutters help protect your home's exterior by diverting water away, reducing the chances of water damage. Not only do gutters protect the house itself, but they can also help preserve landscaping. Heavy rainfall is responsible for soil erosion and washing away plants, flowers, and mulch. While gutters help maintain the structural integrity of your home, they can also help keep your yard and garden in pristine condition, making them a worthy investment overall.

How to Maintain Your Gutters

Keeping your gutter system in tip-top shape requires regular maintenance. Here are some tips to help your gutters perform at their best: Clean your gutters: We recommend you clean your gutters at least twice a year to remove foliage and debris. If your property has a lot of trees, you may need to clean them every three months. Clearing out leaves, twigs, and other obstructions will prevent clogging and ensure proper water flow. Check for clogged downspouts: You can test downspouts using a hose to see if water flows freely through them. If you notice any blockages or slow drainage, you should clean out the downspouts to maintain effective water diversion. Inspect for damage: Regular wear and tear can lead to rust, corrosion, punctures, and holes in your gutters. While cleaning them, carefully examine the gutters for any signs of damage that require immediate repair. Promptly addressing these issues will prevent further deterioration and ensure the longevity of your gutter system. Install gutter guards: Consider installing gutter guards, which can be placed over or inside your gutters. These guards act as filters, preventing leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering the gutter system. Check gutter positioning: Properly positioned gutters are essential for water drainage. Ensure that your gutters are sloped correctly and direct water away from the foundation of your house. If needed, install downspout extensions to lengthen the reach of your gutters, guiding water to the desired location.

Gutter Cleaning with Window Genie

When it comes to gutter cleaning, Window Genie is here to provide exceptional service and address any potential threats caused by clogged gutters. Our professional gutter cleaning services are designed to ensure the optimal performance of your gutter system. At Window Genie, we prioritize the expertise and reliability of our service professionals. Each of our technicians undergoes comprehensive training, is fully insured and bonded, and has passed a thorough background check. You can trust that our team is well-equipped to handle your home's cleaning needs with the utmost professionalism and care. We take pride in our Neighborly Done Right Promise™, which guarantees that your gutters will be cleaned to your satisfaction. If, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with our service, we will make it right. Your peace of mind is our top priority, and we are committed to delivering outstanding results. To experience the exceptional service of Window Genie, request a quote today. Our efficient process will match you with the closest Window Genie team for your gutter cleaning needs. Don't let clogged gutters pose a risk to your home—let Window Genie take care of it for you.

When Is It Time to Upgrade a Gutter System?

A gutter system can last 20 years or more, depending on its quality and material. However, there are certain signs that indicate it may be time to replace your gutter system: Large numbers of leaks: If you notice that your gutters have developed multiple leaks that are difficult to repair or keep reoccurring despite your efforts, it may be a sign that the system is deteriorating. Leaks can lead to water damage and undermine the effectiveness of your gutters in directing water away from your home. Widespread corrosion: Gutters corrode over time, especially metal gutters. Corrosion throughout the gutter system, including rusted sections or visible signs of decay, indicates significant deterioration. Corroded gutters are prone to leaks and may no longer effectively channel water away from your home. Haphazard appearances: The appearance of your gutter system can also indicate that it's time for an upgrade. If your gutters have become warped, sagging, or visibly misaligned, it suggests that they are no longer structurally sound. Such issues can affect their functionality and compromise their ability to manage water flow. Even if you clean and maintain your gutters regularly, persistent performance issues may suggest underlying problems that require professional attention. If your gutters are not functioning up to your standards despite your efforts, consider contacting a contractor specializing in gutter systems. They can assess the condition of your gutters and recommend an upgrade if necessary.

Conclusion

Gutters play a vital role in protecting your property from water damage and maintaining its structural integrity. By efficiently collecting and redirecting rainwater away from your home, gutters prevent issues such as flooding, foundation damage, and landscaping erosion. Don't underestimate the importance of gutters in protecting your investment. Keep your gutters in working order and your home’s exterior in perfect shape with Window Genie’s gutter and house washing services.
It’s easy to forget about maintaining our homes’ gutters. We sometimes take for granted that they’ll continue to work as they should and let’s be honest, cleaning them isn’t exactly a fun chore. But if you don’t clean your gutters regularly, you can end up with much bigger problems and costly home repairs in the future. Hiring a professional to clean your gutters can provide the best of both worlds: you’ll know that your gutters are working as they should, and you won’t have to do any of the dirty work!

Is It Time to Hire a Gutter Cleaning Service?

Gutter cleaning is important since clogged gutters can result in structural damage to your home, its foundation, and landscaping. Aside from the issue of clogged gutters not working as they should and therefore allowing excess water to collect near your home, the debris in a clogged gutter can become a breeding ground for insects such as termites and carpenter ants. These pests can eventually make their way into your home, where they can cause further damage to the structure. There are a few signs that it might be time to hire a gutter cleaner: Water spills over the sides of the gutters when it’s raining. If you notice a waterfall effect, that’s a sure sign that the gutters are clogged. The gutters on your home are sagging. This happens when there’s a large amount of water standing in them for a long time. Gutters aren’t really meant to withstand constant water weight. Over time, the gutters may fall off the house entirely. You’re noticing staining or mildew on the siding of your home. This happens because water is constantly running down the siding, more likely on the shadier side of the house. Plants are growing in the gutters. This means a lot of debris has collected in the gutters, and it’s likely been there for quite a while. You’re starting to notice leaks in your home. If you’re noticing leaks along the exterior walls, this is a good sign that the gutters aren’t doing their job. Water seeps into your basement during rainy periods. Instead of being carried away from your home via downspouts, rainwater cascades over the edge of the gutter right next to your home. This can often result in water seeping through your foundation and into the basement. Ideally, you should clean your gutters once or twice a year. However, if you have a lot of trees near your home that drop leaves, pine needles, or other debris onto your roof, it may need to be as often as every three months. Related Topic: Which Chores Are Best Left to the Professionals?

Gutter Cleaning Help for Hire

It’s tempting to put off chores that are a hassle to do, and gutter cleaning definitely falls into that category. But you don’t want to put this important home maintenance task off any longer, especially if it’s been a while since your gutters have been cleaned. Your local pros at Window Genie are experts when it comes to gutter cleaning, pressure washing, and interior and exterior window cleaning. We can help you get it all done! Give your neighborhood Window Genie a call at 1-877-243-8624 or request a quote online today!
It might take a close look, or it may be obvious from across the room. Either way, double-pane window discoloration is a sign your double-pane windows need some attention. Read on to learn what causes this discoloration, how you can prevent it, and how to deal with the issue before it leads to bigger problems.

What Could Cause Discoloration in Double-Paned Windows?

The most common cause of a discolored windowpane is moisture. Double-pane windows are more energy-efficient than single-pane alternatives, but if the window is damaged or old, the vacuum-sealed gap between the panes of glass can trap moisture. The resulting mold growing between your windowpanes then causes discoloration. Related Topic: The Truth About Broken Window Seals

Spot the Difference: What Discoloration Looks Like in Double-Pane Windows

Window discoloration can appear as black streaks across the window or various other colors due to contact with paint or other chemicals in the window frame or window treatments. However, it’s worth noting that discoloration is rare in double-pane windows.

Does This Mean There’s Mold Between Windowpanes?

The discoloration is usually a sign of moisture or moisture damage, not necessarily mold. However, high moisture between double-pane windows can eventually lead to the development of mold. Mold spores can find their way into the gap between window panes and grow if the window is not repaired or replaced.

How to Clean Between Windowpanes

In most cases, a double-pane window that‘s foggy or discolored is already broken. If you can’t wipe it clean from the inside or outside, it may be time to replace your window. Although there are ways to clean a double-pane window, it can be risky if you’re dealing with mold.

Keep Your Window Clean and Free from Mold

If your windows are dirty or discolored, they can detract from the beauty of your home. Keeping your windows clean, especially those hard-to-reach windows is not easy. Let the pros at your local Window Genie help. We offer professional window cleaning services that will help keep your windows looking great and spot potential issues like fog, and discoloration, that could lead to mold. To get started, call us at 877-243-8624 or request an estimate online today!
Gutter cleaning is a seasonal maintenance task that protects a home's foundation, prevents erosion, and reduces the risk of flooding the basement or substructure. When it's time to clean the gutters of a rental property, though, who's responsible? Below, Window Genie offers insight into rental property gutter cleaning, so you know who is responsible for completing the work—tenant or property owner—and how to find out for sure.

Cleaning Gutters: Tenant or Landlord?

Leasing agreements usually clarify which party is responsible for cleaning the gutters. If you're unsure, check the lease for terms mentioning gutters, roof, "exterior maintenance," or "general care." If gutters aren't specifically mentioned in your lease, contact your landlord for clarification. However, in most cases, renters are not responsible for cleaning the gutters. For renters and property managers alike, until gutters stop working, it's easy to forget they exist. That problem can be compounded when renters aren't sure whether they're responsible for cleaning gutters in the first place. That's why it's important to include the mention of gutter cleaning and maintenance in all lease agreements, along with designating responsibility for other household tasks, repairs, and upkeep like lawn care, HVAC, and plumbing. Related Topic: How to Estimate Gutter Cleaning Prices

Do Landlords Need to Clean Gutters?

Many states require property owners to make repairs that ensure a safe home, including structural repairs that, if left undone, might make the property unsafe. Sagging, clogged, or broken gutter systems increase the risk of flooding and damage to the foundation, both of which could make the home uninhabitable. Further, property owners risk liability if tenants attempt to clean the gutters themselves. Working on roofs or ladders is dangerous work. Investing in a professional gutter cleaning service for your rental property is safer for everyone involved.

Why Gutters Are Important

Cleaning gutters is a good investment for property owners, too. Clean gutters offer protection from heavy rains and provide several benefits: Prevent erosion Protect your foundation from moisture Protect landscaping Reduce the risk of basement flooding Prevent paint damage caused by moisture If your property has already experienced water damage from flooding, get professional assistance fast.

Protect Your Investment with Seasonal Gutter Cleaning at Your Rental Property

Tenants and property owners will benefit from professional twice-annual gutter cleaning services. Tenants enjoy a safer and drier home, and landlords reduce their liability and protect their investment. We also provide window cleaning, tinting, and other services to help keep every rental property beautiful, comfortable, and marketable. Call 877-243-8624 or request an estimate today.
For homeowners living in a cold climate wintery weather can bring many challenges. Snow, ice, sleet, rain and extreme cold can wreak havoc on your homes’ exterior and cause multiple problems, both inside and outside of your home.   One issue many homeowners will face is ice in their gutters. This can cause severe damage to the exterior of your home, and if left unresolved, lead to water damage inside your home. Properly removing ice from your gutters is an important step for every homeowner to take during cold weather.   Ice dams created by the buildup of material can tear the gutters from your home, unhinge shingles from your roof, and cause water damage.   If you’re faced with this situation, we have some suggestions on how to get rid of ice in your gutters safely, and without damaging your gutters, eaves, soffits, or roof.  Related Topic: Do you need gutter guards?  

How to Melt Ice in Gutters  

The first rule of ice removal from gutters is to never try to chop it away with a shovel, hammer-and/or chisel, or another tool because doing so could also damage your roof. Additionally, pouring salt (sodium chloride) onto the ice isn’t a good idea either. Rock salt is a highly corrosive substance that could potentially damage the roofing, siding, gutters and downspouts. And the poisonous runoff can also damage and/or kill foundation landscaping.  If de-icing your gutters is urgent, here are the things you’ll need to get the job done quickly and safely:  What you’ll need: Purchase some calcium chloride ice melter. This product is available at most local hardware and home improvement stores.   Here’s how to use it: Put the calcium chloride ice melter in a thin-fabric pouch—such as an old sox or pantyhose. Place the pouch so it lies perpendicular to the gutter you want to de-ice. Eventually, the calcium chloride will melt the ice, creating a channel for melting snow and other debris to flow freely through the gutter and away from the roof.  If you’re looking for ways to prevent ice dams from forming in your gutters, we have some ways you can do that too! Check out these recommendations below. 

How to Prevent Ice from Forming in Your Gutters 

In short, preventing your gutters from icing over translates to keeping your roof the same temperature as the eaves of your home. Increasing ventilation and insulation can help accomplish this.  Here are some ways you can increase ventilation and insulation in your home to keep your roof and eaves at the same temperature:   Add weather-stripped caps to your attic hatch.  Add a ridge vent paired with continuous soffit vents to circulate cold air under the entire roof.  Make sure all exhaust is directed outside.  Insulate your attic floor.  Seal and insulate HVAC ducts.  Patch any holes in insulation with caulk. Steps like adding extra insulation to your home and using a calcium chloride ice melter can help you avoid water damage that may result from ice accumulation in your gutters. If you need help with ventilation and insulation projects, these local home service pros who can help. 

Too Cold Out – Call in the Pros 

De-icing your gutters can be a time-consuming and chilly process, but it is an important part of gutter maintenance that often gets overlooked (especially when it’s cold outside). Getting up on a ladder and cleaning your own gutters in the winter can also be dangerous.   If you would rather stay safe and warm inside your home, let the local pros at Window Genie take care of your icy gutters.  We offer professional gutter cleaning and repair services that can help protect your gutters and your home from damage caused by ice. We also offer window cleaning (interior and exterior) and power washing services that can help keep your home looking great all year long. To learn more, give us a call at 877-243-8624, or request a quote online today. 
No matter how hard your gutters are to reach, they still need to be kept clean. But getting into those nooks and crannies on the edge of a high roof can be dangerous, if not done correctly.   Let’s look at different methods for cleaning second-story gutters and find out whether they really work. These methods include:   Using ladders and proper ladder safety.  Relying on gutter guards to reduce cleaning needs.  Using vacuum and leaf blower attachments.    Using your hose. (Not recommended.)  Using a professional gutter cleaner.   

Should You Use a Ladder While Cleaning Second-Story Gutters? 

While this is a popular method to clean hard-to-reach gutters if you’re going to use ladders remember that ladder safety should always be your top priority. First and foremost, never let kids climb the ladder—this is a good time to teach them that ladders aren’t toys. Second, your ordinary household ladder probably isn’t suitable for this task. You’ll need a ladder that’s fully equipped with safety features and the proper mechanics for use on a roof. A little research can help you make sure the ladder you have at home is up to the safety standards you need.  

What About Gutter Guards? 

Gutter guards are designed to keep debris and animals out of your gutters while keeping the water flowing away from the house. Even though gutter guards don’t qualify as a way of cleaning hard-to-reach gutters, they can be a solution for homeowners looking to keep their gutters from clogging up with leaves and twigs.    The pros and cons of gutter guards include:   Pro: When you have gutter guards, you don’t need to clean your gutters as often.  Con: Installing good-quality gutter guards can be costly and time-consuming.  Pro: Gutter guards prevent birds and rodents from building nests in your gutters.  Con: Uncleaned gutter guards can turn into a miniature tree farm because of trapped seeds.    Ultimately, even with gutter guards installed you’ll still need to clean your gutters periodically. Keep reading to learn more methods.   Related topic: The Truth About Gutter Guards 

Vacuum and Leaf Blower Attachments 

There are many types of vacuum attachments for leaf blowers, as well as shop vacs to assist in the gutter cleaning process. While these attachments can be useful, they typically don’t reach every spot, which means they aren’t the best for reaching high gutters.  It’s also important to consider the safety implications of climbing a ladder with a heavy leaf blower or similar device since thoroughly cleaning second-story gutters from the ground probably won’t be possible.  

Using a Hose 

While you may be tempted to use your hose to clean your gutters, it usually isn’t the best option. The truth is, using your hose to clean your gutters can accidentally knock your gutters loose by damaging the anchors that secure them to the house. Even worse, water can get under your shingles or leak through the eaves, resulting in water damage. And, of course, it’s also not safe to carry a hose while climbing a ladder, since a splash of water on the steps or a strong gust of wind could cause you to slip.  

Professional Gutter Cleaning 

Most of the time, it’s easier and safer to let the professionals handle jobs like cleaning the gutters. If you decide a professional is a way to go, your local Window Genie is ready to help you clean your guttersOur team of experts is outfitted with the proper tools and knowledge to get the job done efficiently. Give us a call at 877-243-8624 to request a free quote. We’re looking forward to speaking with you! 
During a walk around the neighborhood, you may have noticed one or more neighbors pressure washing the siding on their homes, and wondered if the same cleaning method could be used on your roof. Unfortunately, the short answer is no. Pressure washing may seem like the quick solution to a dirty roof, but it can damage both your roof and your gutters. That’s why it’s important to use a professional soft wash service to clean your roof. Washing your roof using the correct method will help you avoid problems like damaged gutters later on.  

Structural Damage  

High-pressure washing can result in structural damage to both your roof and your gutters. Too much water pressure can loosen the granules on your shingles, which then flow into your gutters and cause damage by creating extra weight and blockages. You might even cause damage by creating loose shingles that get trapped in the gutters. Pressure washing can also damage your gutters by loosening or breaking the anchors that secure them to the house. If done incorrectly, pressure washing can quickly turn your minor roof scrub-up project into an expensive mess. You could end up with a dirty roof, damaged gutters, and a hefty bill from the contractor you had to hire to fix the structural damage. Definitely not the outcome you wanted!  Related Topic: Why You Should Never Pressure Wash Your Roof  

Paint Removal  

Applying pressurized water to your roof might remove the dirt, but it can also remove paint from your gutters. In fact, pressure washing is one of the methods professional painters use to remove paint from wood, metal, concrete, and other exterior surfaces. Even if your exterior paint is new, a high-pressure wash could easily strip it away, leaving bare spots on your gutters and possibly even along your eaves. In fact, if you accidentally send high-pressure water blasting through your eaves, you might leave your attic a sopping wet mess 

Incorrect Ladder Placement  

When it comes to climbing up onto your roof—whether you are experienced or inexperienced—using a ladder can be dangerous. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, the United States leads the world in ladder deaths. Each year, there are more than 164,000 emergency room-treated injuries and 300 deaths in the U.S. caused by falls from ladders. Even if it wasn’t so dangerous, incorrect ladder placement can still damage your gutters because they’re not built to support any additional weight. In addition, you might think your ladder is steady but the force of the high-pressure water can throw you off balance—possibly damaging you and your gutters at the same time.  Use Our Soft Wash Process  Having a clean roof can make the rest of your home look even better, but it’s important to make sure it’s done the right way. After you weigh the risk and potential damage that could be caused by cleaning it yourself, hiring Window Genie to clean your roof and gutters is the way to go—best for both your wallet and your safety. Not only do we know the safest way to access your roof and gutters, but we have the tools to clean them without causing any damage. We’ll save you time, effort, and expensive repairs that could be caused by doing the job yourself. So, if you're ready to have your roof and gutters cleaned, call the pros at Window Genie for a free consultation. You can reach us at 877-243-8624 or visit our website today. 
Nothing ruins a backyard gathering or barbecue like a swarm of bugs descending on you and your guests. And noticing more bugs usually means there are a lot more that you don’t see. If you're wondering why your yard has suddenly been overrun with bugs and other pests, the reason could be hanging right over your head.   Clogged gutters are a perfect breeding ground and hiding place for pests like mosquitoes and gnats. If it has been a while since your gutters have been cleaned and inspected, it could be the reason why you’re noticing an increased number of uninvited backyard guests. In this article, we’ll explain why getting your gutters cleaned can reduce the number of backyard pest you have to contend with this summer. 

Related Topic: Affordable Ways to Give Your Home Exterior a Fresh, New Look 

Ideal Breeding Ground  

Gutters are designed to catch rainwater and direct it away from your roof. But when things like leaves, twigs and other debris also wind up in your gutter things can begin to backup. When this debris sits in the gutters, it clogs them up, makes them less effective, and allows water to accumulate, which can create an ideal breeding ground for bugs.  Standing water is the perfect environment for insects to lay eggs and larvae to develop. Clogged gutters with standing water keep insect eggs and larvae hidden from predators, creating the perfect nesting environment. Keeping your gutters free and flowing is a great way to get rid of this hatching environment and it will help reduce the number of pests around your backyard.  

Mosquito Haven 

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water and need an environment full of organic debris like leaves and twigs in order to successfully hatch them. Clogged gutters are the perfect environment for mosquitoes to lay their eggs and larvae to develop. Mosquitoes typically lay up to 200 eggs at a time, which hatch within 48 hours. The undisturbed water in a clogged gutter provides a breeding ground that if left unchecked, could quickly create a massive mosquito problem in your backyard.   Related Topic: 3 Ways to Keep Spiders at Bay 

Flies Galore 

Flies also hatch their eggs in standing water, but the environment created by a clogged gutter can prove to be even more ideal for them. Flies multiply quickly in an environment with rotting food, produce and other organic material because they need a fermenting liquid to lay their eggs. When debris such as leaves or twigs sit in the standing water of a clogged gutter, they begin to ferment. By unclogging your gutters, you eliminate any standing water and stop fermentation of organic material, which removes the environment flies need to hatch their eggs.  

Gnats are Welcome 

Gnats love to lay their eggs in areas that have a lot of algae and fungus. Fungus gnats are specifically attracted to overwatered plant life and any type of wet, or damp vegetation. A gutter that is clogged or obstructed with leaves, twigs and other debris will retain moisture longer, which will promote the growth of algae and fungus. When this happens, it’s like putting out the welcome mat for gnats.  Related Topic: Best Leaf Removal Tips and Tricks 

Bees in the Attic 

Bees typically build their hives in areas where moisture is available, but also in areas where they are less likely to be disturbed. Your clogged gutters provide a great space for them to start and build a colony. The damp, undisturbed environment of your clogged gutters could also be attracting other stinging insects like wasps and hornets. Beehives can also add significant weight to your gutters, causing damage or collapse. And if not removed in time, a bee colony can expand, breach your roof and enter your home, which can cause a real problem. 

Enjoy the Outdoors 

Cleaning your gutters is probably not high on the list of things you want to do this weekend, but if left unattended for too long clogged gutters can develop into an even bigger problem. As the weather gets warmer, and in some cases wetter, maintaining your gutters is important. But if you’d rather spend your time doing something other than cleaning gutters, call the gutter and window cleaning experts at Window GenieKeeping your gutters clean and free from debris could be the difference between enjoying some quality backyard time this summer or taking shelter from a variety of pesky insects.
Owning a home is not always the joy we make it out to be. There can be sneaky little problems that rear their ugly head at the most inopportune time. Some of these problems are almost impossible to avoid, but here are three issues that can be prevented with simple cleaning and maintenance. Continue reading "3 Preventable Home Disasters"