5 Gutter Cleaning Tips
When it comes to cleaning gutters, you think of pulling out leaves, twigs, and stubborn debris. Most homeowners don’t want to do it because it doesn't seem like a fun job to do. Still, timely gutter cleaning is important for proper home maintenance. It is better and more cost-effective to deal with this job than with clogged gutters that can cause potential damage to the roof, foundation, wall, and even landscaping.At Mr. Gutter OC, we have a few helpful tips to make it easier for you to clean your gutters.
Get The Right Tools
Gutter cleaning is a specialized job and requires specific tools. The right tools will make the job easier, more efficient, and safer. We suggest collecting the following items before you get started:- Safety gear
- Pressure washer
- Hard-bristled broom & hand brush
- Garden hose
- Scoop
- Hand trowel
- Sturdy ladder
- Garden bags
- Tarpaulins
- Cleaning solution
It is recommended to use an environment-friendly cleaning solution because the solution will be rinsed off into the garden or stormwater.
Get Working
Follow these tips first when starting to clean the gutters:- Place the ladder on a flat and sturdy surface. It is recommended to use a ladder stabilizer and have someone assist you with the job.
- Wear safety gear.
- Remove the gunk from the gutters using a small scoop.
- Make sure to spread the tarp under the workspace to collect any gunk and to keep the landscape and lawn clean.
- Use the garden hose to flush the gutters and downspouts and any remaining debris.
Trim The Trees Near the Roofline
Leaves, twigs, pine, needles, and other similar debris are the biggest factors causing gutter blockage. When you have branches or trees too close to your home, they can prove to be damaging to the gutters and roof in times of storms. You can reduce the amount of loose leaves getting into your gutters and downspouts by trimming any trees near the roofline. You may also consider relocating the trees or cutting them if they are too close.Install Gutter Guards
Once the gutter system has been cleaned, we suggest installing high-quality gutter guards. The right choice of materials should decrease the frequency of regular cleaning. This is a really good idea for residential gutters for it protects your gutter system from being blocked and causing damage to your roofing.Check The Drains & Downpipes
Once you have cleaned the gutter and roof, make sure to check the downpipes. If the downpipe is clogged, it can cause the water to back up and overflow the gutters, thus undoing all your work. We suggest running the hose down the downpipe at full pressure. If you notice water backing up, it means there is a clog.- If you see natural debris forming the clog, bang on the side of the downpipe or run water down the pipe at high pressure.
- If the clog is solid like tennis balls, you will have to force it out.
It is important to clear the ground-level drains after the gutter is cleaned. Else, the debris from the roof can get flushed through the guttering, thus clogging the drains.
Once you have cleared the gutters, it is important to repair any sagging metal. Once you go through the above-mentioned tips, it is easy to realize that gutter cleaning can be an exhaustive, labor-intensive, and time-consuming job. It is more cost-effective and smarter to get professional help. Besides cleaning the gutters efficiently, thoroughly, and safely, professionals can also handle any roofing repair needs.
At Mr. Gutter OC, we provide superior gutter cleaning and maintenance services. We use only top-quality, American-made materials for our products. We are your one-stop service provider in Orange County, California. For more information about our services, feel free to contact us at 949-791-7308 or write to us.
