10 Tips for Keeping Gutters Clean and Avoiding Overflow
Gutter cleaning is simple house maintenance work you need to do regularly to prevent many problems. Keeping your gutter clean prevents clogging, water overflow, and more serious problems in the future.
A clogged gutter can cause foundation issues and other problems like ceiling leaks and a wet basement. Such damages are costly and take more time to repair.
That is why it is important to have a properly working gutter. A gutter in good working condition collects and directs water away from your home’s foundation.
It also ensures water does not spill or clog near your home.
Here are ten tips for keeping gutters clean and avoiding overflow.
1. Gather Your Gutter Cleaning Tools
Before you start cleaning your gutter, you need to ensure you have all the right tools and materials. Gather tools like a ladder, ladder stabilizer, gloves, hose, tarp, power washer, goggles, blower, and two buckets.
Some of the materials you need include a gutter sealant, gutter guards, and a plumber’s snake. If you don’t have these tools and materials in your home, you can look for commercial pressure washing stores where you can buy what you need.
2. Consider Getting Trained Professionals
Trusted professionals in gutter cleaning have the experience to clean and repair your gutter. Their gutter cleaning services may include scrubbing your gutter’s exterior and polishing it.
Professionals in residential and commercial gutter cleaning in Charleston can recommend repairs. This includes high-quality gutter guard installation. You can also get help from family and friends to avoid paying professionals.
3. Work With an Assistant
It is good to work with someone willing to help, like a spouse or a friend. Working with an assistant enables you to be efficient and save time.
The extra pair of hands can help you hold tools or a ladder and work faster. They can also help in fixing the gutter. Choose someone you trust who is old enough to help with the cleaning process.
4. Safety First
When cleaning your gutter, safety is essential. That is why Charlotte gutter cleaning professionals wear protective gear and use the right tools to ensure workers are safe.
You should also consider safety when cleaning your gutter if you are doing DIY. For example, your ladder should be on level ground. This reduces the chances of falling.
Although a ladder will help you reach the gutter on your roof, consider using a ladder stabilizer to provide extra security. You can also ask your assistant to hold the ladder as you climb.
Start cleaning from one end to the next. Wear gloves and use your hands or a scoop to remove the dead leaves, twigs, and debris.
A pressure washing mount can help clear debris. The pressure setting should be low to avoid damaging the gutter. Other methods of cleaning include using a blower to blow leaves away. You can also suck the leaves and other dirt out.
5. Spray Spouts
The pressure washing mount will help you know if the gutter is clogged. Spray the spout with a hose to completely clear the debris. Confirm if the spout is clear.
When you spray the spout, a clogged gutter will cause water to back up. This can cause more problems for your house.
House pressure washing allows you to flush out any dirt remaining in the spout. This ensures the spout is clean.
6. Install Gutter Guards
Gutter guards prevent leaves, twigs, and debris from entering the spouts. They allow water in the gutter and leave debris out. That’s why it’s necessary to install gutter guards.
Different gutter guard designs help prevent large and small debris from causing clogs.
Choose the design that works best for your gutter and consider the weight. Heavy gutter guards add weight to the fascia and can cause it to sag.
7. Repair Gutter
After cleaning your gutter, you might notice other issues like sagging spots or gaps. Close the gaps using a sealant and repair other issues that may cause leaks.
A professional commercial cleaning service can help if the repairs are complicated. Otherwise, you can do simple repairs as a DIY project.
8. Trim and Cut Trees Around Your Home
Trimming tree branches near your home will help keep your roof clean and free from clogging. Cut down or trim trees to prevent twigs, leaves, and debris from falling on your roof.
The wind can also carry leaves that fall on your compound and direct them to your gutter. It is important to trim or cut down trees and clean your compound.
This will also reduce the frequency of cleaning your gutter. When you do not cut or trim trees around your home, you may need to clean your gutter less frequently as there is less dirt accumulated.
9. Follow a Regular Cleaning Schedule
Follow a regular schedule that helps keep your gutter clean and free from clogging. The cleaning schedule will depend on the landscape of your home.
If trees surround your home, you may need to clean more times. A home with fewer trees or no trees in the surrounding area requires less cleaning.
Having a schedule and a reminder is the best way to ensure you do not forget to clean your gutter. It is good to check and clean your gutter after a storm.
10. Conduct Regular Inspection
Inspect your gutter regularly to ensure everything is in good condition, even if you are not cleaning it. Look for signs of any problems, including ice dams during the winter.
Check if there are any loose bolts or broken spouts. Checking your gutter from time to time helps spot early signs of potential problems.
This way, you stay ahead of the game and take preventive action. Repairing problems at an early stage is more affordable and takes less time.
Key Takeaway
A gutter system in good working condition is suitable for your roof. It helps to avoid costly problems with different structures of your home.
Make sure you clean your gutter and repair any damages before they worsen. A clogged gutter causes water flow during the rainy seasons. Installing a gutter guard helps stop dirt and debris from clogging the spout.
The gutter guard installation can happen after cleaning and repairing damages. Regularly check your gutter to ensure it directs water away from your house.