Winter is fast approaching and that means the leaves that fell in the fall need to be cleaned up before they get frozen over. While the changing leaves may be beautiful to look at, they can quickly pile up in your gutters and cause an issue at your home. When gutters are blocked with leaves, twigs and other debris, water can no longer flow freely away from your property. A buildup of water can cause damage to all areas of the home from the roof to the basement.
It is recommended that you clean your gutters twice per year – once in the late Spring and again in late Summer or early Fall. This avoids clogged or leaking gutters as well as an accumulation of mold, neither of which is something you want to deal with. Both are expensive problems to fix while cleaning your gutters is cost effective and simple. Follow these steps from Pro Home Improvement to keep your gutters clear this year.
Step 1: Gather the materials needed to clean your gutters. In order to properly and thoroughly clean your gutters, you will need the following items: a ladder, bucket(s), garden hose with nozzle or gutter cleaner attachment, trowel, gloves, and gutter sealant.
Step 2: Clear and clean your gutters. Starting near the downspout, begin by removing large debris such as sticks or twigs. The trowel can be used to clean out any debris that has been packed inside the gutters. Place the debris into the bucket to throw away later. If you have downspout strainers, remove and clean those as well.
Step 3: Flush your gutters with water. Now that the debris has been removed, use a garden hose to flush your gutters, starting at the end and opposite of the downspout. You can also use the gutter cleaner attachment to completely clear your gutters.
Step 4: Ensure water is flowing freely through the downspout. If you notice the water is not draining properly, your downspout is likely clogged. If your downspout runs underground, you’ll need to remove it from the pipe. Point your hose up from the bottom of the spout and turn the nozzle to full pressure to clear it. You can also use a plumber’s snake if you need to further remove the blockage. After attaching the downspout, flush the entire gutter once more.
One final tip is to make sure to clean your gutters when it isn’t raining or hasn’t immediately rained. That way, the leaves and debris aren’t heavy with water, which can make it more difficult to remove. The entire process should only take an hour or two and provide you with peace of mind for many months to come.
Need Advice On A Home Repair
Have more gutter questions? Contact the experts at Pro Home Improvement! We will perform a complete gutter inspection and let you know if your gutters need to be repaired or replaced. Give us a call at 888-PRO-1988 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today and receive a no obligation estimate.