Gutter cleaning is the process of removing debris, dirt, leaves, and twigs from a home’s gutters so rainwater can flow off the roof and down the drains. When these items become trapped inside your gutters, they prevent water from flowing away from the house and can cause water damage to your shingles, fascia, and siding. Gutter systems also help to protect the foundation of your home by directing water away from the house. It is recommended that homeowners clean their gutters at least twice per year, once in the fall and again in the spring.
If you choose to clean your own gutters, it is important to wear sturdy work boots and protective eyewear. You can cover any landscaping or plants with plastic tarps or drop cloths to protect them from hose spray. Also, a ladder stabilizer can be a good investment to keep your ladder from tipping while you’re working. If you’re comfortable using a ladder, the best method for cleaning your gutters is to scoop out the debris and drop it onto a plastic tarp or drop cloth on the ground below. This way, you can move the tarp with you as you climb up and down the ladder and dump the contents each time it gets full.
Another way to safely clean your gutters is to use a garden hose with an attachment designed for this purpose. Start at one end of the gutter and work your way toward the downspout, using the nozzle on a high pressure setting to wash out the debris. Be sure to clean out the downspout, too, as it can get clogged with leaves and twigs like any other part of the gutter system.
You can also hire a professional Woolleys Gutter Experts to clean your gutters. However, this option is usually expensive and not always safe. Ladders can be dangerous to balance on and its not uncommon for people to lose their footing and fall from a tall ladder. If you do choose to climb a ladder make sure it’s stable and use a ladder stabilizer or have a friend stand at the base of the ladder to support it.
Investing in gutter guards can save you money and stress in the long run by reducing your need to clean your gutters. These guards filter out large debris, allowing only the smallest particles to flow into the downspouts. In addition, they can be installed at the top of each downspout to prevent them from becoming clogged by the debris that collects in the gutters.
For best results, install gutter guards at the same time as you clean your gutters to ensure they are properly fitted. If you decide to hire a professional, be sure to ask about the type of gutter guards they use and whether or not they’ll install them for you. This will ensure that your new gutters are protected from future clogs and damage.