Cleaning Gutters
Gutter cleaning is a task that should be on every homeowner’s maintenance list. While it may seem like just another tedious thing on the checklist, frequent gutter cleaning can prevent much bigger issues down the line. The time it will take you or a professional to clean your gutters will depend on the size of your home, but regardless, it will be a lot quicker and cheaper than repairing damage from clogged gutters!
Why is Gutter Cleaning Important?
Over time, debris can build up in gutters, whether that’s leaves, moss, or anything that’s been blown in during bad weather. As the debris builds up, it can cause obstructions and blockages to the flow of water through your gutters. If not cleaned, these blockages can prevent rainwater from draining properly from your roof, which can not only damage the gutters, but can end in more extensive damage to your home. This can cause problems like rotting wood, sagging gutters, pest infestations, and much more. That’s why it’s a good idea to clean out your gutters a minimum of twice a year, and pay particular attention to gutter cleaning in autumn.
How to Clean gutters
Consistent cleaning, as well as regular trimming of trees that overhang your gutters and roof are critical. Here are some tips on how to clean your gutters!
Gather the essentials
Get all your equipment and safety gear ready, making sure you have everything you need before getting started. The most common tools needed are; a sturdy ladder to ensure safety when going up and down, a pair of gloves to protect your hands, and a scoop or spatula to remove the debris.
Be safe
Always put safety first. Avoid going up and down the ladder when you can, and use safety equipment such as gloves and a harness if possible. Non-slip shoes are also important as you’ll need good grip on the ladder to stay safe.
Be smart
Spare yourself additional work by using a bucket or container to dump the debris in instead of dumping it on your lawn or on the ground below. You could also cut and open out a bin liner to spread on the ground as a ‘drop-zone’. Before you start cleaning the gutter, you should first rake or sweep the leaves off the roof as the wind and rain will wash these down the gutter, filling it up again.
Power washing
If your gutters are still in good shape structurally, you should be able to power wash them. This will save you from having to pull out debris by hand, but it is not wise to try on older gutters that are weak and bent. If you choose to power wash your gutters, be careful not to force all of the debris down the downpipe. As an alternative, try to push it over the edge of the gutters and onto the grass for you to rake up later. This may seem like more work, but a cluttered downpipe can be a big headache to mess with.
Pull out debris by hand
If power washing is not a possibility, or you have too much clutter in your gutters to efficiently power wash, you will need to pull out the debris by hand. We recommend wearing thick work gloves or rubber gloves when you do this, in case of anything sharp in your gutters.
Rinse the gutters with a hose
Once the bulk of the debris is out of your gutters, you should be able to wash it out with a hose. Watch how the water flows once you put it in there and make sure it comes out of the downpipe. If it doesn’t, you may have to use a small brush on a wire to push out whatever may be clogging the system.
Rinsing your gutters will also let you see if there are any areas where the water may pool up rather than drain. If you see that, you may want to replace that section of your guttering to prevent problems later on.
Finish the job
Once you have removed all the debris, sweep the bottom of the gutter with a brush. Flush the gutters and downspouts with water to clear them of any dirt left behind.
Gutter guards
If you live in a densely-treed area, gutter guards could be a valuable investment, as they help to prevent loose and fallen foliage from settling into gutters. Gutter guards are basically caps that go over your gutters to minimise debris clogging. There are small slits in the guards that let water pass through so you can still direct the water where you want it to go. The caps will stop leaves, nuts, branches, and other nuisances from piling up in your guttering. Installing these can be a crucial step in preventing clogged gutters.
What Happens if I don’t clean my gutters?
Just in case we haven’t convinced you on the importance of gutter cleaning, here’s what can happen if you don’t take care of it!
Blockages
Blockages could cause a problem with the slope to the downpipe, or the downpipe itself can become clogged. In some cases, the roof drainage system may not be up to the job at hand if the blockage is too extensive.
Water Damage
If the blockages in your gutters are extensive, then they may have already led to water damage, especially if it has flooded under the roof. The first thing to do when you notice a congested gutter is to check the roof and ceilings nearby for any water damage. This can be costly and difficult to repair if it travels too far. The good news is, if the water has not entered the roof, you can fix your overflowing gutters quickly and easily.
Downpipes
If your downpipe seems to be blocked or clogged, you may be able to clear the blockage using a high-pressure washer or by dismantling part of the pipe and retrieving the blockage that way. When the angle of your gutters to the downpipes is not steep enough to allow the water to move freely, you’ll need to reposition them higher at the end furthest away.
If blockages are a common problem, then you might want to consider adding more downpipes to alleviate the strain on the overworked roof drainage system. We suggest consulting a professional if you choose to go down this road, as they will assist you in calculating important factors such as slope, load and positioning.
Expert Advice
Taking proper care of your gutters can be tedious, time-consuming, and inaccessible for some homeowners. For expert help and advice and assistance with the task, contact the Jim’s Mowing experts today.
