When was the last time you cleaned your gutters? A year ago? Two years ago? Or have you never cleaned your gutters since you moved into your home?
Most people completely overlook this task and only clear out their gutters once it becomes a noticeable problem. However, ideally you should be cleaning your gutters twice per year – once in Spring and again in Fall. This is important for getting rid of leaves and debris and making sure your gutters are draining properly, so that water isn’t spilling out over the sides.
This post explains more as to why gutter cleaning is so important and how to clean out your gutter.
Why is regular gutter cleaning so important?
Cleaning out your gutters is important for preventing clogging, which can lead to water spilling out over the sides. Gutters are designed to direct water away from your roof and away from your home’s foundations. If water is allowed to spill out over the sides, it can end up damaging your fascia and siding as it drips down, as well as pooling around the base of your home and potentially causing subsidence.
Blocked gutters can also attract all manner of pests, which can breed and then infest your home. In winter, there is also a risk of them freezing up, causing gutters to expand and crack.
Regular gutter cleaning is particularly important in regions that experience heavy rainfall during certain periods of the year. For example, for those preparing for Arizona monsoon season, this is one of many tasks that can be essential for preventing damage to your home – overspilling water from blocked gutters is a leading cause of roof damage and basement flooding.
How to clean your gutters
Gutter maintenance is fairly straightforward, but there are a few safety tips that are still important to consider. Below are just a few steps to cleaning out your gutters:
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- Choose the right tools: You can remove debris by hand, but you’ll probably want to use gloves. It’s also possible to use a trowel or a scoop. A hose with a nozzle is also recommended for flushing out your gutter.
- Position your ladder: You’ll likely need to use a ladder to access your gutter and this will need to be positioned on a flat and stable surface. Consider asking someone to hold the ladder at the bottom while you climb it for extra safety.
- Remove the debris: Start removing debris and placing them into a bucket or bag. It’s best to work from the downspout end of your gutter and work your way to the closed end of the gutter.
- Flush the gutters: Flushing water through your gutters will help to remove any remaining dirt. Make sure that water is running through your downspout and that there isn’t a blockage inside the pipe (a plumber’s snake may be required to dislodge any blockages in the downspout – this might be a job best left to a gutter cleaning company).
Conclusion
If you haven’t cleaned out your gutters for a long time, it could be worth checking them to see if they need unclogging. By following the steps above, you can safely and effectively get rid of any debris and keep your gutters working efficiently.
