Spring Gutter Cleaning Tips
Gutter Cleaning is the most overlooked spring-cleaning task on everyone’s list because it’s the least visible and while it is the least visible, it is probably the most important. The importance of properly functioning gutter system to the home’s health cannot be understated, a properly function system protects the home from water damage by draining water from the roof and away from the house. When the system is not working, i.e. your gutters and downspouts are clogged, water can back up and cause damage to the roof, fascia, soffits, and siding.
Spring is the time of year that gutters are most likely to become clogged. During fall and winter, trees are losing leaves, small sticks, and other debris which ends up on the home’s roof and then in the gutters. Add that to the influx of rain during the spring months and a potential disaster is waiting to happen.
And so, as spring approaches, check out these tips gutter cleaning tips:
Know Your Trees
Keep a close eye on the trees surrounding the home, notice when they shed and exactly what they are shedding.
Plan Accordingly
Gutter cleaning is a time-consuming task so make sure it is done when there is an abundance of time, such as a weekend.
Ways to Clean the Gutters
There are a few different ways to clean gutters:
- Get on the roof, this allows for more space to move and the cleaning goes a lot quicker.
- Use a ladder or step ladder.
- Call a professional
Please note, if you are not comfortable with climbing, standing on a ladder, or doing the cleaning yourself, please call a professional to prevent injury to yourself and others.
How to Clean Gutters
A leaf blower and or garden hose are great ways to get all the debris out of the gutter but can lead to splatter and other debris on decks, patios, driveways, etc. which can lead to more clean-up. An effective way to make sure all the debris is gone and done so under control is to use a plastic gutter scoop and bucket. Once the bucket is full, empty it into a heavy-duty trash bag and repeat the cycle until the gutters are clean.
Be sure to take breaks, especially if temperatures are warm, it is always hotter on or near the roof than it is on the ground.
If you want to protect your gutters from debris and keep the cleaning to a minimum, check out Leaf Relief and Leaf Logic. These are gutter protection systems that prevent debris from piling up inside the gutters and keep water flowing freely towards the downspouts.