Proper gutter cleaning is essential to maintaining the good condition of your home. Homeowners don’t often realize the potential risk that is involved when you don’t regularly clean your gutters. The functionality of your gutters is what protects the roof of your home from decay due to water saturation. The gutters of your home allow water to runoff the roof in an organized and evenly distributed fashion. This runoff is also important for debris like leaves or tree limbs. Without gutters, our roofs would be exposed to harsh conditions that would surely lead to damage to the home. Take the below tips into account before you begin the gutter cleaning process.
1 – Pressure wash on a gentle setting
Pressure washing machines have made cleaning a roof and gutter system much easier than it has ever been in the past. However, it’s important to remember that pressure washers are powerful machines. They have the capability to send shingles flying from your roof or even puncture a hole if you are not careful. When pressure washing, remember to start with the lowest setting and work your way up from there. Some stains and debris cannot be removed with a pressure washer, so don’t increase the power unless it is absolutely necessary. Be careful if pressure washing the inside of a gutter as well. Gutters are fragile and pressure washing could easily damage the gutter system of your home.
2 – Remember to clean the drains thoroughly
The drains to your gutter system are one of its most important aspects. These drains are what allow water to evenly runoff of the roof. If the drains become clogged, the gutter system becomes ineffective. It’s important to clean the drains of your gutters thoroughly. To find out if your drains are clogged, you can use a long chain and place it inside of the drain while on top of the roof. If the chain makes it out the end and you can easily maneuver the chain from side-to-side, then your drains are not clogged. You may have to take the drains apart so that you can clean out each section if your drains if they are in fact clogged.
3 – Drain extenders are vital
Often times, the drains to your gutter system will create a runoff for water that is far too close to the home. If your drains are located near your home, water could saturate the ground and make its way underneath the home. The water would likely saturate the wood foundation or even walls of your home. This would result in mold and compromise the stability of the home. It’s important to apply extenders to the drains of your gutter system so that water is led well away from the home.
4 – Safety first
In order to clean your gutters effectively, you need to use a ladder and be on top of the roof. This poses a very serious safety concern; there have been many deaths that have occurred because of gutter cleaning. Be sure to use a stable ladder and take great precaution while you are on the roof. You should never clean your gutters when it has been raining outside, as this would cause slippery conditions that could be dangerous. You can purchase a pair of shoes with spikes or cleats on the bottom to improve your traction while cleaning the gutters.
5 – Wear gloves and use a gutter cleaning tool
By visiting your local hardware shop, you can find gloves and gutter cleaning tools. This equipment is vital to doing the job effectively and in as little time as possible. Gutter cleaning tools like scoops and motorized machinery can make the gutter cleaning process far easier. Don’t forget to invest in these tools, you won’t regret it.
Author Bio: This article was written by Izzy Mackey of Roof.net a roofing company in Northern Virginia.
