What to Know About Gutter Cleaning
If a house is surrounded by pine or oak trees, gutters can fill up with needles or leaves quickly.
When gutters are doing their job well, it's easy to forget about them. Keeping gutters clean prevents leaks, ruined siding, and even interior wall mold. If you're working on cleaning your gutters, there are a few tips and tricks to know.
How often to clean gutters
The frequency of gutter cleanouts depends on what is dropping into the gutters. If a house is surrounded by pine or oak trees, gutters can fill up with needles or leaves quickly. Gutters in these areas benefit from cleaning in the fall and again in the spring.
If wildlife like birds or squirrels are prevalent in the area, a bird can occasionally build a nest in the gutter that can clog up the system. Screens can keep pests from making their homes in the gutters and requiring more cleaning. If pests are a known problem, cleaning at least twice a year can keep gutters in working order.
If trees are sparse and nothing large tends to fall on the roof, the gutters might only need a thorough cleaning every other year or so. Still, please keep a close watch on the gutters to determine how long it takes for debris to build up and determine what time of year is the best for getting rid of it.
How to clean gutters
Find a way to view the gutters at a comfortable eye level. This usually involves putting up a ladder. Using gloves for protection, lift screens if needed, and scoop out accumulated leaves and sticks. Often dirt or smaller debris will also fill the gutters. Use a water hose to clean this out and ensure water can flow freely through.
During the cleaning process, check all hardware that anchors the gutters to the home. Verify that nails and screws are still secure and haven't pulled away from the roof. Replace or fix any faulty hardware.
Using a hose, spray water in the gutter to check for any holes or leaks at the joints. Verify that downspouts are draining sufficiently. Use caulk or sealant to fix any identified leaks.
If the home has gutters that aren't within the ladder's reach, it's best to call a professional to clean them out. Perching on the roof to work on gutters without experience is not recommended.
How to help gutters stay unclogged
To mitigate against gutter gunk, install screens or guards on the gutters. These prevent the largest detritus from getting through to clog up the gutter system. They won't stop everything from passing through, but the gutters won't need to be cleaned as frequently.
Keep the gutters in great condition
Although homeowners can clean their gutters themselves, it is grueling work. Cleaning gutters is particularly hard on the neck and shoulders. Hiring an expert to ensure the job is done well may be worth it.
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