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7 Handy Tips for Cleaning Your Gutters

7 Handy Tips for Cleaning Your Gutters

Dec 4, 2020 | Roofing Tips

Before the weather becomes too cold, now is the best time to clean out your gutters! The leaves have all fallen, and snowy weather is approaching. So, having clean gutters is essential to preserving your roof, siding, and even your home’s foundation!

If you’re unfamiliar with cleaning your own gutters or would simply like some pointers to make the process easier, we’re here to help!

In this short article, we’ll cover some useful tips for cleaning your gutters safely and efficiently! Continue reading to learn more!

1. Ladder Safety

Using a ladder is simply a part of the process that’s practically unavoidable. You’ll be up and down your ladder several times before the job is over. It’s imperative that you have someone with you to help monitor your ladder in case anything happens. Falling off a ladder by yourself can be extremely dangerous and even fatal.

When you position your ladder, always ensure that it’s on sturdy, level ground and will not shift as you climb. An excellent way to test your ladder is to jump on the first and second rungs before doing the climb. If the ladder slides or shifts in any way, you need to reposition because your ladder is not in a safe spot.

2. Use the Right Tools for the Job

Having the right tools for the job can make this process much faster and easier. Sure, you can go the classic route, take all the debris out by hand, or even use a garden trowel to scrape out your gutters. However, a gutter scoop is explicitly designed for cleaning out gutters, and its front scraping edge makes it ideal for the job. It’s manufactured to the exact shape for your gutters and can get underneath all the grime and debris accumulated in your gutters.

3. Don't Forget the Gloves

Whether you’re shoveling grime out by hand or using the tools designed for gutter cleaning, you’ll need a quality pair of gloves. Thick, durable gloves will protect your hands from cuts should you come across a rough gutter edge or any sharp objects in your gutters.

A sharp cut or an unexpected stab can startle anyone on a ladder and make a minor inconvenience a more severe matter in quick time. That’s why always using gloves is crucial to gutter cleaning.

4. Inspect as You Clean

As you’re cleaning the gutters out, keep an eye out for signs of damage, like cracks or leaks. While you’re inspecting the gutters, ensure that they’re still appropriately attached to your home and aren’t sagging. If you notice a seam that isn’t sealed anymore, remove the failing silicone, let it dry, and reseal it.

Don’t stop at your gutters either. Inspect your roof while you clean too! Look for signs of roof damage, such as missing shingles, curling shingles, moss growth, and damaged flashing while you’re up there. If you notice any damage, this will give you adequate time to have it repaired before the situation gets any worse.

5. Remember to Clean Downspouts

If you don’t have roof gutter covers installed, your downspouts will need a good cleaning too. Leaves and other debris can fall in and clog your downspout, preventing water from draining correctly and allowing mold and mildew to grow. These clogs can add undue weight to your gutters as well, which can lead to sagging gutters. Keep your downspouts clean, or the rest of the cleaning you did will have been for nothing!

6. Clean Your Gutters at least Twice a Year

Any gutter cleaning company or roofing company will recommend that you have your gutters cleaned at least twice a year. This will reduce the possibility of water runoff, overflowing gutters, and sagging gutters. Keeping your gutters clean year-round will also help reduce corrosion by not allowing any standing water to sit in your gutters.

7. Hire a Professional if You're Uncomfortable

If you’re not comfortable on a ladder or cleaning your gutters for any reason, you shouldn’t attempt it. Being uncomfortable or scared while being up high is a recipe for disaster. If you’re not comfortable in any way, shape, or form cleaning your own gutters, be sure to call a professional so they can get it done quickly and safely.
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