Getting the gunk out of your gutters is critical when it comes to avoiding clogs that can damage the foundation and interior of your home, and while this compulsory chore may seem challenging at first, a few simple preparation and cleaning tips can turn this once toilsome task into a breeze.
Let’s take a look at some gutter cleaning pointers that will help you clean your gutters quickly and easily.
Why You Need to Clean Your Gutters
Gutters serve an important function in protecting your home by collecting precipitation of any kind and diverting it away from your home via downspouts. If your gutters fill with debris, the downspouts become blocked, leading to pooling and potential damage to the interior and foundation of your home.
During winter months, if backed-up water freezes, the additional weight can damage your gutters and lead to breakage or detachment.
Safety First
Before you begin, make sure you have ticked all the precautionary boxes on your safety checklist. If you’re using a ladder, make sure it’s secure. An extension ladder with stabilizers and a stop mat is recommended, and if you have a helper who can ensure additional sturdiness, even better.
Frequently move the ladder to reach the areas you’re cleaning. Do not overreach as this can very easily lead to a fall. It’s also a good idea to keep at least two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder at all times. Maintaining three points of contact is the safest practice.
Have a tarp or bag spread below the area where you are dumping the gutter debris. This will make the cleaning process faster and easier, and it’s a lot safer than trying to hold a bucket or bag while you’re on a ladder.
Gutter Cleaning Methods
There are a few different effective gutter cleaning methods that should be selected based on your level of comfort.
If you don’t like heights, you may want to avoid using a ladder. If you’re not comfortable with power tools, you may not want to use a pressure washer.
Ladder and Hose
This is a pretty straightforward method that involves a sturdy ladder and a garden hose with a spray nozzle. You can typically blast most debris to one end, making it easy to scoop. Once your gutters are clear, test the downspouts to make sure there is no blockage.
Pressure Washer or Gutter Wand
With approximately half a million ladder-related injuries each year, it’s no wonder some people would rather clean their gutters from the ground. A pressure washer or gutter cleaning wand can definitely do the trick from a safe height. The resulting debris splash, however, may require some protective eyewear and old clothes.
Consider Getting Gutter Guards
Gutter guards are easy to install and prevent most debris from collecting in your gutters, and though they do significantly decrease the need for regular cleanings, they are not maintenance-free. Small debris can still get through most guards. Guard sections can also collapse into gutters or cause gutters to sag from additional weight.
DIY or Call the Pros
Remember these helpful tips if you want to give gutter cleaning a go yourself, however, if your motivation moves from DIY to “don’t even try,” you can always contact the pros. Gurr Brothers Roofing will have your gutters gunk-free and your downspouts running clean.
