When gutters become clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris, water can seep under the roof and eventually into the foundation. The gutters should be cleaned at least once a year. If you live in an area with overhanging trees, you should do this more often. Gutter cleaning can be the most hated part of a major home cleaning. Homeowners shouldn't put this off, no matter how difficult it may be. Finally, well-functioning gutters prevent rainwater from entering your home during a storm. We will tell you how you can clean your rain gutters in the following article.
Cleaning rain gutters: why is it so important?
The rainwater from the roof must be collected and directed away from the foundation of the house using the gutters and downspouts. Water that collects near the foundation can seep through windows or seep into the basement if there are no gutters to drain it away. In most cases, occasionally cleaning the gutters of debris is enough to keep them in good condition. Clogged downspouts from overflowing gutters cause water to collect above the gutter and eventually seep onto the ground. Even worse, winter melt and freeze cycles can cause snow to run off the roof and freeze in the gutters. The weight of these ice-filled gutters can causethem from the roofsolve.
Cleaning clogged gutters – tips
There is no single best method for homeowners to clear their gutters of leaves to prevent clogs and subsequent damage. Not everyone feels comfortable using pressure washers and some people want to keep their feet firmly on the ground at all times. The best way to clean your gutters is to use a method that you know is both safe and effective.
Note the following:
- To safely clear leaves from a gutter, you don't just have to climb onto a telescopic ladder. The good news is that there are a number of devices that can be used to remove debris from gutters without homeowners having to risk injury by climbing a ladder.
- Avoid using a stepladder to clean gutters as it can easily tip over if you lose your footing. Instead, try an extension ladder and have a helper stand at the bottom to keep the ladder stable.
Get the gutter clean with a ladder
- Invest in a sturdy, extendable ladder: Protect yourself by using a ladder stabilizer. A second person is useful in case you need to use the ladder or drop something.
- Put on work shoes, rubber gloves and a long-sleeved shirt. A dirty task is cleaning gutters.
- Use a small plastic shovel to clear debris from the gutters. A gutter shovel can be purchased at the hardware store, but an old sandpit shovel works just as well. A plastic spatula from the kitchen is also suitable and leaves no marks on the gutters.
- Place a cover under your workspace to catch debris from the gutters and protect your grass and plants from harm.
- After cleaning the gutters, you can flush the gutters and downspouts with a garden hose to remove any debris. If there are leaks, these will also become visible.
Clean rain gutters from below without a ladder
Gutter cleaning from the ground is the most efficient and risk-free option. Due to limited visibility, you should proceed methodically and carefully. It will certainly take a little longer than if you were standing on a ladder. Cleaning the gutter from the ground often involves using a garden hose or a standard wet/dry vacuum with some useful accessories. You can also use a telescopic cleaning device with various attachments (e.g. scraper and brush).Herefind out more about it.
The most common mistakes people make when cleaning gutters
These mistakes should be avoided.
You have not installed gutter guards
Using a leaf filter to prevent gutter clogging is the best idea for you and your home. A metal screen is placed over your gutters to keep debris out. It prevents leaves and other debris from settling in the gutter. The water can flow freely through the open areas of the net while larger contaminants are filtered out. If nothing can get stuck in the gutter, it doesn't need to be cleaned, right?
Wrong time of year for gutter cleaning
To ensure your drainage system works when you need it, timing is also crucial. During unpredictable weather and storms, your gutters can become clogged, which could be damaging. Plan to clean your gutters in advance if you know there will be a lot of rain. In many regions, this means that you should clean your gutters before the stormy summer and winter months begin.
You are not exercising due care when using a ladder
Cleaning your gutters should never be done without taking necessary safety precautions, especially when using a ladder. Inspect the ladder before using it and make sure the base is stable and level before climbing it. Ask a friend or family member to hold the base of the ladder for you if possible.
They don't use the right methods
While it can be useful to shovel leaves and debris out of gutters while wearing gloves, specialized equipment makes the process much easier. Light material in the gutters, such as leaves and pine needles, can be quickly removed with a shop vacuum equipped with a gutter cleaning attachment. Some homeowners like to use a pressure washer,about dirt and rubbishto blow out of their gutters, which is recommended for larger accumulations. If you are not confident in using the device correctly, you should clean your gutters by hand or hire a professional.
