Rain gutters help to collect rainwater or snow and direct it to a drainage system away from your foundation. Clogged gutters can lead to all kinds of damage to one’s home. This is why it is necessary to learn how to clean your gutters. When your gutters are filled with dirt and leaves, rainwater can’t properly flow and drain off the roof of your home. This water may then seep into your house and cause flooding and mold problems.
Dirty gutters may also sag, which can eventually damage your home both outside and inside. This is why it is important to regularly attend to your home’s gutters. The tips below will help you learn how to properly clean your gutters.
1. Dress Appropriately for the Job
Cleaning gutters is a messy job. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants to prevent the dirt from coming into direct contact with your skin. Include a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from sharp objects and improve your grip on any tools you might use.
Moreover, wear clothes that are worn out or work clothes that you wouldn’t normally wear to prevent the debris from spoiling them.
2. To Clean Your Gutters, Gather the Right Tools
Before cleaning your gutters, make sure you have the required tools including a ladder, a scraping tool, and a gardening hose. Keep a trash can nearby to collect the debris from the gutter as you clean.
A ladder will help you reach all single-story gutters from the ground. Make sure that the ladder is positioned securely on level ground and use a ladder stabilizer if needed to improve support. It’s also best to have a helper around in case you need a hand with anything. Remember to practice ladder safety before using one since it can be dangerous to clean your gutters.
3. Scrape the Gutters
To effectively dig the debris out of the gutters, you will need a scraping tool that can find at your nearest hardware store. An old kitchen spatula will also get the job done and it won’t cause any damage to the gutters.
Scrape the gutters to remove as much dirt as possible while standing on the ladder. This requires minimal skill, but hire a skilled professional to do it instead if you aren’t confident you can do this task.
4. Use a Garden Hose to Rinse After You Clean Your Gutters
After scraping the dirt from your gutters, use a garden hose to flush and spray out any remaining dirt and debris. Doing this will also help you to identify any leaks in your gutters. A pressure washer is another good alternative for effectively cleaning your gutters. You can even find angled extension wands that will let you clean the gutters easily from the ground.
5. Request Repairs
Pay attention to the current condition of your home’s gutters while cleaning them. If you notice any damages or leaks, seek advice from a professional and plan for immediate repairs. Any issues left unaddressed could eventually cause significant property damage.
As much as your gutters need to be clean to properly function, they should also be in great condition at all times. Keep things working properly by regularly cleaning your home’s gutters. Do this at least three times a year: during spring, fall, and summer. A little maintenance goes a long way towards keeping your property in good shape.
Arrow Home Inspections provides inspection services to customers in the Charlotte Metro Area. Contact us to request an appointment.