How to Clean Out Gutters Properly
As gross as it is, there are a few messy chores that you have to perform every year. One of these chores is emptying your gutters.
If there’s a bunch of leaves crowding your gutters, they won’t be able to detour rainwater away from your home as they should. This can lead to problems with your foundation.
If left unchecked messy gutters could destroy the entire structure of your home. To avoid this, you’ll have to learn how to clean out gutters.
We can help walk you through the entire process. Check out this guide to learn how to get started.
Grab a Sturdy Ladder
To begin, you’re going to need to grab a sturdy ladder. If your home is a few stories up, you’ll need an extendable one. Before you begin your climb, make sure that you place the ladder on a sturdy surface.
Check for any rocks that could cause the ladder to shift under your weight. If you don’t feel comfortable climbing ladders, you can call a gutter and downspout installation company to help you out.
Clean Out the Debris
Before you begin your gutter cleaning, put on a pair of safety goggles. The last thing you want is dried leaves in your eyes. Put on a pair of gloves and pull the large leaves and twigs out of your downspout strainer.
From the strainer, you’ll move on to the rest of your gutters. For any compacted debris, you may need to use a gutter scoop. If you don’t have one of those, a kitchen spatula will do the trick.
Flush Your Gutters
Now that all the leaves are gone, you can flush your system with a garden hose. When cleaning out gutters, start at the far end and work your way down.
Do your best to avoid spraying under your roof shingles. Doing so can cause serious water damage if you aren’t careful.
Some garden hoses come with special gutter cleaning attachments. If your garden hose has such attachments, using them will make this process go a lot smoother.
Check Your Downspouts
If water isn’t draining quickly once your gutters are clean, you may have a clog in the downspout. To dislodge it, run your garden hose up the downspout and turn it on full blast.
If that doesn’t work, you’ll have to use a plumbing snake to get the job done.
Finishing Things Up
If you have any leaking seams, you can use a sealant to cover up the gaps. Using a pressure washer will get rid of any mold or mildew on the outside of the gutters.
How to Clean Out Gutters and Keep Them Maintained
Failing to learn how to clean out gutters can cause expensive issues. A clogged system can’t keep water away from the foundation of your home.
If left unchecked, it can lead to water damage. Don’t let that happen to you. Follow the steps we’ve provided here to keep your gutters nice and tidy.
For tips on performing more essential chores around your house, visit the Home Improvement section of our blog.
