We know, cleaning your gutters is a frustrating and annoying task. But, it’s probably one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your home avoids unnecessary damage and produces tens of thousands of dollars worth of repair bills down the line. With that said, there are a few easy and simple ways to keep your gutters clean that will minimize the hassle and still get the job done.
Inspect Your Gutters
Sometimes, it’s as easy as taking a walk. The biggest problems your gutters face will almost always be visible to the naked eye, be it rot, rust, or any other kind of erosion. It could also be sagging or holes. Regardless, the best way to identify any of these problems is to simply take a look around your home and look at them, especially during a rain shower so you can see if there are major leaks or overflows that need to be addressed.
Check for Water Damage
Any kind of obstruction or blockage will cause water to leak into places you’d rather it not go, such as your roof or down into your home’s foundation. The main problem with this isn’t necessarily the water itself, but rather what can spring in the presence of water, such as mold, mildew, rust, and rot. All of these spread quickly and erode at your roof and foundation, mostly underground and unbeknownst to you until it’s too late.
Get the Bad Stuff Out
While wearing protective gear, scoop up the debris from the gutter and dispose of it carefully onto the tarp below. Gloves will do a good job of protecting your hands from whatever may be lurking in the mass of vegetation, including sharp objects. Make sure that you completely remove the clog, even if you have to use a small shovel or any other tool. Once the mess is cleared, test the flow by flushing it with a garden hose. This will also make sure that whatever debris is left will be cleared out. Once the water starts to flow properly, you know the blockage is gone. Don’t forget to check for leaks as the water is flowing throughout your gutter system. If any serious leaks or holes emerge, consider calling a guttering professional to handle them.
Get Your Gutters Ready for a Deep Clean
After you’ve surveyed your gutters for any existing damage when can start approaching the clean cycle? The first thing you want to do is make sure you aren’t home alone – call for backup. This is especially true if you’re older or have a really high roof. Because you’ll have to be up there by your gutter, it’s better to have someone looking up to you to make sure you don’t fall or call for help if you do. Next, make sure you have a really tall ladder handy, one that can get you at least three feet over the gutters themselves. Then, make sure it’s completely leveled or you’ve laid a tarp on the ground before you even set foot on it. Next time that you needed call Frazier Roofing and you will see why they are one of the best roofing companies around DFW.
