Eavestrough Cleaning Tips

Since gutters are at the top of your house and out of sight, they’re easy to neglect. New homeowners should know the importance of keeping your gutters clean to prevent blocked gutters, which can lead to serious issues like leaky roofs and basement flooding. Cleaning gutters means a well-kept and functioning home. It may easily become a task that you tend to ignore or push off, but doing so comes at a cost.

Learn how and why to keep your gutters clean now so that you can maintain the appearance and quality of your new home. Cleaning them regularly will save you money and headaches down the road. Letting debris build up in your gutters could lead to pests, mold, leaks, and structural damage to your new home.

In this article, we’ll cover the reasons to clean gutters regularly and the tips you should follow when cleaning gutters.

To Prevent Clogged Gutters

Anytime it snows or rains, your gutters collect all of that precipitation that falls from the sky. Your gutters are there to direct that water away from settling at the foundation of your home. When water collects at the home’s foundation, it finds it’s way into your home.

Gutters use a rerouting design to keep the precipitation from entering at the roof line of your house. When your gutters fail, major structural damage can happen to your roof and anywhere else where the water comes in contact.

When gutters become blocked with debris, water is unable to move along the path of the gutter. When water gets stuck and the temperature drops, the water has the potential to freeze. This causes extra damage to your gutter. Therefore, it is crucial to flush gutters annually to clear away accumulated debris and prevent blockages.

To Prevent Pest Infestations

Clogged gutters are not just a nuisance for your home’s drainage system; they can also become a breeding ground for various pests. When debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt accumulate in your gutters, it creates an inviting environment for unwanted guests like rats, insects, and even birds. These pests are drawn to the moisture and shelter provided by clogged gutters, and once they settle in, they can cause significant damage to your property.

Rats and mice, for example, can use blocked gutters as a pathway to enter your home, leading to potential infestations inside. Insects such as mosquitoes and termites thrive in the stagnant water and decaying organic matter found in neglected gutters. Additionally, birds may build nests in the debris, further exacerbating the blockage and causing water to overflow.

To Prevent Mold Buildup

Clogged gutters can become a breeding ground for mold, which thrives in damp, neglected areas. When debris accumulates in your gutter system, it traps moisture, creating the perfect environment for mold to develop. This mold not only affects the appearance of your home but can also lead to severe health issues and degrade your property’s value.

Mold buildup can spread quickly, affecting the structural integrity of your home and leading to costly repairs. It can also infiltrate your home’s interior, causing respiratory problems and allergies for you and your family. By regularly cleaning your gutters, you ensure that water can flow freely, reducing moisture buildup and preventing mold growth.

Tools and Equipment for Gutter Cleaning:

If you’re choosing to handle the job without a professional, you’ll need some equipment to clean your gutters the right way. Here are some tips on what to use for cleaning the gutter:

• Gloves: Be sure to wear gloves when cleaning your gutters. You never know what sharp or dangerous objects have fallen onto your roof and into your gutters.
• Safety Goggles: There’s no telling what could have fallen into your gutters. To keep unwanted debris out of your eyes, you’ll want some safety goggles.
• Garden trowel: To scoop out leaves and other debris from the gutter, you’ll need a garden trowel or similarly shaped instrument.
• Tarp or Drop Cloth: This will make cleaning the fallen debris from the gutter much easier.
• Ladder: To reach the gutter, you’ll need some extra help with height. For homes with extra height, you may need an extension ladder. Ladder safety is important, so make sure you have someone to spot you, just incase.
• Garden Hose: A garden hose is a helpful way to clear any blocks in the gutter that you may encounter when cleaning. Make sure your hose has plenty of slack to reach the height you’ll be working with. Clear gutters allow water to flow freely, preventing potential water damage and structural issues.

Once you know what to use and have your ladder set up, it’s time to get started with cleaning your gutters.

Safety Tips for Gutter Cleaning

Cleaning gutters can be a hazardous task, especially when done improperly. To ensure your safety while cleaning gutters, follow these essential tips:

1. Use proper ladder safety: Always use a sturdy, safety-rated ladder that is tall enough to reach the gutters without overreaching. Make sure the ladder is securely positioned on a firm surface and consider using detachable stand-off arms or stabilizers for added stability.
2. Wear protective gear: Wear gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask to protect yourself from debris, dirt, and potential allergens.
3. Avoid working in adverse weather conditions: Never clean gutters during strong winds, heavy rain, or icy conditions, as these can compromise your safety and make the task more challenging.
4. Use the right cleaning tools: Use a gutter cleaning tool or a hose with a spray nozzle to clean gutters from the ground, rather than standing on the roof or using a ladder to reach high areas.
5. Enlist a helper: Have someone assist you by holding the ladder or providing support, especially if you’re using a tall ladder.
6. Be mindful of electrical wires and obstacles: Be aware of any electrical wires, tree branches, or other obstacles near the roofline that could pose a hazard.
7. Take regular breaks: Take breaks to rest and rehydrate, especially if you’re cleaning gutters for an extended period.

By following these safety tips, you can minimize the risks associated with gutter cleaning and ensure a safe and successful cleaning experience.

What is the Best Way To Clean Gutters?

Now that you have the proper tools at the ready, it’s time to start cleaning gutters. Follow these easy steps below to get the job done.

Step 1:

Set your ladder at the end of your gutter on the side opposite to the downspout. Climb to the top of the latter and have your spotter give you the garden hose. Run a stream of water through the garden hose to see where debris is collecting in the gutter and if any blockages exist.

Step 2:

Use a shovel, your hands since you’ll wear gloves, or garden trowel to scoop out all the leaves, dirt, and debris from your gutter onto your drop cloth that’s positioned below your ladder. Make sure you don’t get any on whoever is holding your extension ladder.

Step 3:

Once you’re done scooping out debris from your gutter, run some water from the hose to spot where any damages or existing leaks are present. Make not of any trouble areas in your gutters to be fixed later.

Step 4:

Climb down from your ladder and move it to the next section of your gutters. Work in the direction of the downspout. Repeat steps one through three for every section until your gutters are clear of all debris.

This is a very time-consuming task, but the importance of gutter cleaning can’t be stressed enough. Plus, once you’ve gotten into the habit of cleaning gutters, it will be much less painless to execute.

In some instances, your roof may be too high or gutters too lengthy to make this seem worth doing yourself. Feel free to use professional cleaning services if gutter cleaning is not worth your time and effort.

Professional Gutter Cleaning Services

While cleaning gutters can be a DIY task, hiring a professional gutter cleaning service can provide numerous benefits, including:

1. Expertise and experience: Professional gutter cleaners have the training, equipment, and experience to efficiently and effectively clean gutters, ensuring proper drainage and preventing potential issues.
2. Safety: Professional gutter cleaners are equipped with the necessary safety gear and equipment to minimize risks and ensure a safe cleaning process.
3. Time-saving: Hiring a professional gutter cleaning service saves you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other important tasks.
4. Customized cleaning: Professional gutter cleaners can tailor their services to meet your specific needs, including cleaning gutters, downspouts, and other exterior features.
5. Preventative maintenance: Regular gutter cleaning can help prevent clogged gutters, structural damage, and pest infestations, ensuring your home’s foundation and exterior remain secure.

By investing in professional gutter cleaning services, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your gutters are clean, functional, and protected.

Gutter Guard Installation and Maintenance

Gutter guards are an effective solution to prevent clogged gutters and ensure proper drainage. Here’s what you need to know about gutter guard installation and maintenance:

1. Types of gutter guards: There are various types of gutter guards available, including mesh, screen, and surface tension guards. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to choose the right one for your home.
2. Installation: Gutter guard installation requires careful measurement and fitting to ensure a secure and effective fit. It’s recommended to hire a professional for installation to ensure a proper fit and prevent potential issues.
3. Maintenance: While gutter guards can significantly reduce maintenance, they still require occasional cleaning to ensure optimal performance. Regularly inspect and clean your gutter guards to prevent debris buildup and ensure proper water flow.
4. Benefits: Gutter guards can provide numerous benefits, including reduced maintenance, improved water flow, and protection against pest infestations and structural damage.
5. Cost: The cost of gutter guard installation varies depending on the type, material, and size of the guards. While the initial investment may seem high, gutter guards can provide long-term savings by reducing maintenance and preventing costly repairs.

By investing in gutter guard installation and maintenance, you can enjoy a hassle-free gutter system that ensures proper drainage and protects your home’s foundation and exterior.

Conclusion

As you can see, cleaning your gutters is vital to protecting the integrity of your home. Keep your gutters clean by pulling out a ladder at least twice a year. If you live in an area close to more trees and other elements, you’ll need to add gutter cleaning to your to do list more often.

If you have a tall roof, and pulling out your ladder for gutter cleaning is too much of a hassle, you can always use a professional service instead. Cleaning the gutter is something you should be doing as a homeowner throughout the year. By doing so, your gutter and your home’s property value will thank you.