Cleaning your gutters may not be the most glamorous of home maintenance tasks, but it is an important one. Clogged gutters can cause all sorts of problems, from water damage to your foundation to attracting unwanted pests. Fortunately, cleaning your gutters is relatively easy and can be done in a few simple steps. Read on to find out how.
Climbing a Ladder
The first step in cleaning your gutters is to, well, get up on a ladder. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, consider hiring a professional gutter cleaner. Otherwise, follow these tips for ladder safety:
- Make sure the ladder is on level ground and placed firmly against the house.
- Use both hands to climb up and down the ladder.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from any sharp objects you may encounter.
- Have someone hold the base of the ladder steady while you work.
Cleaning the Gutters
Once you’re on the ladder, it’s time to start cleaning out those gutters! The best way to do this is with a small trowel or scoop. Use this tool to remove any leaves, dirt, or other debris that has collected in the gutters. Be sure to also remove any clogs that might have formed in the downspouts. If you come across a particularly stubborn clog, you may need to use a garden hose or plumbers’ snake to dislodge it.
Once you’ve removed all of the debris from the gutters, give them a good rinse with water from a garden hose. This will help remove any lingering dirt or soap residue and will also allow you to check for any leaks or cracks in the gutters themselves. If you do find any damage, now is the time to make repairs. You may be able to patch small holes with gutter sealant, but larger cracks or breaks will likely require replacement parts.
Gutter Cleaning Alternatives
Alternatively there are a number of gutter cleaning tools on the market today, to aid you in scooping, spraying…
Gutter Scoop
A gutter scoop is a long-handled tool that is shaped like a scoop. It is specifically designed for removing leaves, twigs, and other debris from gutters. To use a gutter scoop, simply insert the scoop into the gutter and scoop out the debris. Be sure to empty the scoop regularly so that it doesn’t become overloaded and difficult to handle.
Garden Hose with Attachment
A garden hose with a special attachment can be used to quickly and easily remove debris from gutters. The attachment fits onto the end of the hose and has a nozzle that helps direct the stream of water into the gutter. To use this tool, simply turn on the water and hold the hose so that the stream of water hits the debris in the gutter. The force of the water will dislodge the debris, which can then be flushed down the drain.
Pressure Washer
A pressure washer can also be used to clean gutters. However, you need to be careful when using a pressure washer on gutters because too much pressure can damage them. To use a pressure washer, start by wetting down the area around the gutters with low pressure. Then increase the pressure and hold the wand so that the stream of water hits the debris in the gutter. Be sure to move slowly so that you don’t damage the gutters.
Call a Professional
Cleaning your gutters can be a dangerous job. Google “Gutter Cleaning Services Near Me” to see what alternatives you have if you want to. It can save you time, hassle, and provide you peace of mind knowing the job was done right, and you didn’t have to get up on a ladder, or have a fear of falling.
Get Gutter Guards
While a more expensive option, adding gutter guards to your home will help preserve it’s value by preventing unwanted repairs, save you time, money, and a long Saturday or Sunday of scooping sludge out of your gutters in the falll
Conclusion
Cleaning your gutters may not be fun, but it is necessary to keep your home in good condition. By following these simple steps, you can easily and safely clean your gutters yourself. However, if you don’t feel comfortable getting up on a ladder, there’s no shame in calling in a professional!