Cleaning Gutters for Home Maintenance

As the spring season begins, many homeowners start planning their home maintenance activities. One crucial task that often gets overlooked is cleaning gutters and downspouts. Not only does it keep your property looking neat and tidy, but it also prevents water damage that can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide to help you tackle this chore like a pro, whether you're a gardener, DIY enthusiast, or tradesperson.

 

Safety First

Cleaning gutters is a difficult task, especially if you have a multi-storey home. It is essential to place your safety above everything else. Firstly, assess the roof's height, slope and ensure all ladders are placed on a level surface. Ensure that you have someone by your side to hold the ladder in place. In addition, you can use a harness kit to offer an extra layer of protection in case of falls or slips. Also, you can consider hiring cherry pickers OR scissor lifts that can provide a stable and secure working platform.

 

Start from the downspouts

The best way to clean gutters is to start close to the downspout and work your way outward. This approach helps to prevent leaves, debris, and needles from entering the downspout. Before you begin, we advise that you put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from bacteria and grime. You can also use a trowel or hand spade to scoop the debris out of the gutter.

 

Flush with water

After scooping the debris out of the gutter, the next step is to flush it out with water. This step helps to get rid of any remaining debris or dirt. Use a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle to force water down the spout and flush out debris, flush opposite to the direction of spout to ensure it is clear.

 

Install Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are an excellent way to prevent build-up and reduce your maintenance chores. They come in various products like screens, foam inserts and brushes that prevent debris from accumulating in the gutters. If you live in an area with lots of trees, installing gutter guards is a wise investment. Before you install gutter guards, make sure your gutters are cleaned, and downspouts are clear to ensure proper function.

Cleaning gutters and downspouts is an essential part of home maintenance that should never be overlooked. Not only does it keep your property looking good, but it also prevents damage to your roof and home foundation. The process of cleaning gutters is not complicated, but it requires attention to safety, especially if it's a multi-story building. Remember to start from the downspouts, flush with water, wear gloves, and consider installing gutter guards. We hope this guide is helpful to you, and you can keep your gutters clean and functioning.