Cleaning your gutter is a vital part of home maintenance, although gutters and drains often go forgotten about which can lead to clogged gutters and further issues which can be expensive and inconvenient. Therefore, your gutter should be cleaned at least once a year and more often if your house is surrounded by overhanging trees. It is an ideal time to clean your gutter in Autumn when the leaves have fallen and before Winter arrives as the rainwater is more likely to freeze and expand in the gutter, which can cause damage. If you are unsure how to clean your gutters properly, then you should hire gutter cleaners like Gutter Guys to help you clean it.
The most common blockages that occur within gutters are caused by sticks, moss, leaves, pollen and debris. This leads to water overflow when it rains and can also cause damp issues to windows, external and internal walls which can then cause mould.
To begin cleaning your gutter you will first need to ensure your ladder is placed on a stable, safe and hard surface. The ladder will need to be repositioned each time you clear a different section of the gutter, do not lean over or reach far when you are at the top of a ladder as this may lead to serious injury. Having another person hold the bottom of the ladder is recommended for optimal safety. If you have allergies you will need to wear personal protective equipment such as eye goggles and a facemask to protect yourself from dust and pollen. It is also advised to wear long sleeved clothing and protective heavy-duty gloves to avoid injury as the edge of the gutters may be sharp and there could be other dangerous waste in the gutter.
The easiest way to collect the leaves and debris is to use a bucket or bag, using a hook to attach this to your ladder so you have both hands free. Using a trowel or alternative implement you can then scoop all the waste into your bucket. Once they are clear you then need to wash the gutters to remove any excess debris or stubborn obstructions, the easiest way to do this is to use a jet wash or hose. It is also important to clean the drain downpipes, removing them using a screwdriver and clear any blockages using a stick or handle of a rake/brush. The downpipes then need to be flushed with a hose, checked for any damage and reconnected. Ensure you also remove any waste from the roof to prevent it from travelling down to the gutter, this can be simply done by using a rake or long handled brush.
It is important to closely inspect all the gutters for any damage, including the rubber seal. It will be cheaper and easier in the long run to repair any cracks or damage as soon as possible rather than waiting for the damage to progress. To help preserve your gutter and avoid having to clean it too often you can also invest in gutter guards glen allen va, brushes or filters, they work by preventing large items from entering and blocking the gutter by acting as a barrier. By regularly cleaning and maintaining your gutter you will inevitably save on expensive replacements and repairs whilst also improving the aesthetics to the exterior of your home and ensuring it is safe.