Why and how often to clean your gutters?
The how often to clean your gutters depends on the quantity and proximity of trees and plants around your home. The minimum should be around 2 times a year. We all know the saying "April showers bring May flowers". This is a reminder that often heavy rains occur in the spring. Before the heavy rains, it is a good time to check the gutters.
Another highly recommended time is before another form of precipitation might hit, snow & ice. Of course after any big storm it is not a bad idea to do a quick check either as leaves and sticks may find their way onto your roof after wind and precipitation have done their job.
Clogged up gutters can cause water to back up and overflow. Gravity will make the water to find the easiest path to the ground which may be on the siding of a house, through cracks in wood, etc. This can find its way into your home or cause wood rot over time. Regular cleaning of your gutters is recommended along with having gutter guards or brushes and downspout screens.