How to Clean Gutters: Tips for Efficiency and Safety
Are your gutters way overdue for a cleaning? Do you see piles of leaves near the downspouts? Are they overflowing from the sides instead of draining like they are supposed to? If so, this article is for you. Continue reading to learn how to clean gutters.
Why Cleaning Your Gutters is Important
Your gutters will get blocked by leaves and debris if left unattended. This affects their efficiency and keeps them from properly diverting water away from your home. Regularly clean your gutters to avoid a bigger job later and damage to your home.
The whole purpose of your gutter system is to route the rainwater off the roof, which protects the roof, walls, foundation, landscaping, and structure of your home. Debris caught in the gutters also provides perfect shelter for rodents and other pests.
Putting off gutter maintenance can lead to large, expensive, and time-consuming projects in the future. Cleaning gutters is easy if you are comfortable with ladders and follow safety measures.
Tips on How to Clean Gutters: Get the Job Done Right
It is recommended to clean your gutter systems twice a year. And if you’re handy and feel up to the task, you can do it yourself, just stay safe by doing some homework first. You can always hire a professional to safely do the job for you.
Here are some helpful tips on how to clean gutters:
- First, inspect your gutters to determine if they need to be replaced or repaired before cleaning. Check for cracks, splits, rust, paint damage, mold, pools of standing water, water damage, or sagging sections.
- Dress appropriately by wearing long sleeves and protective gloves. Wear safety glasses or goggles to prevent injury to your eyes.
- Place your ladder on a flat, stable surface. After extending or opening, make sure that it’s locked in place so it won’t move while you are on it. Practice ladder safety by not standing on or above the second to last rung.
- Early spring and mid to late fall are the ideal times for regular gutter cleanings.
- Use your gloves or a plastic scoop to remove leaves and debris from gutters. Spread a tarp beneath you to toss the debris for disposal.
- Finish up by using a water hose and sprayer to push any remaining debris through the downspouts.
While gutter cleaning may be easy for some, others will need to hire a professional for the job. This is especially the case for very large or tall homes. It is simply not worth risking serious injury or worse.
Professional contractors know how to clean gutters safely and are licensed and bonded in case of any accidents. You can rest assured that you are getting the job done right, and a pro will also give you peace of mind knowing that your gutter system has been inspected.
Digs Doctor Home Inspections provides home inspection services to Charlotte and the surrounding areas of North and South Carolina. Contact us to request an appointment.