As a homeowner, there are many systems in your home that you need to manage to keep your property value high. One often overlooked system that adds to the value, longevity, and curb appeal of your house is your gutter system. It's important to keep your gutters clean and clear of debris so that they can do their job diverting water away from your house. For those of us who are eco-conscious, you can even repurpose this diverted water to help your garden or yard thrive in the desert. It’s easy to learn how to clean your gutters and, thus, keep your home protected from water damage.
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Why Clean Your Gutters?
The purpose of any gutter system on a home (or any building) is to divert rainwater away from your main building. This is important, because water damage to a building’s foundation can be very expensive to repair. Water damage happens when water begins pooling on your roof or around the walls of your home. You can also have problems with water pooling in certain areas in your yard, damaging your landscaping. A residential roofing company can ensure that your gutters are placed properly in order to drain water from your building effectively.
Living in Nevada, you may be under the belief that living in a desert is a great way to avoid having to worry about water damage to your house. But, as you'll know after one summer, it rains hard in the desert. In fact, our rainstorms are more like torrential downpours that can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to buildings every year. Gutters help protect your property from both building and landscaping damage.
How Often to Clean Your Gutters
It's important to understand basic gutter maintenance and how often to clean gutters. This way, your gutters can be most effective at diverting water and not clog with debris. Generally, people should inspect and clear their gutters once a year. If you have more foliage around your property, like large trees or flowering bushes, cleaning your gutters once every three months is appropriate. Gutters can also become homes to insects and small rodents, so it’s important to clear them to keep the vermin out.
How to Clean Your Gutters
If you’re wondering how to clean your gutters and clear the debris from them, rest assured that it’s pretty easy. With a little preparation, you’ll be able to do this yearly task with very little trouble.
Prep for the Work Ahead
You’ll need to gather some basic materials to clean this area of your home. The most obvious necessity is a reliable ladder that can reach the gutters. If you have a second story to your home, you’ll need to obtain a sturdy ladder, as well as another person to act as a spotter. Be sure to wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves, even in warmer weather, as cleaning gutters can get messy. Long sleeves will also protect you from any insects you may find.
It’s definitely a good idea to get a tarp to place under your working area to protect your landscape. The tarp will also give you an area to throw debris. Even though you’ll be wearing gloves, you don’t have to use your hands to fish out the debris. Instead, get a large spoon or small shovel to help you. It’s also a great idea to gather some typical cleaning supplies like a large trash bag, a bucket, and a garden hose for rinsing your gutters.
Clear Out the Gutters
For the first step, you’ll need to clear your gutters of all large pieces of debris. Use your small shovel to scoop out leaves, needles, and twigs from the gutter. While you do this, inspect your gutters for any large holes or tears. You’ll only be able to reach a certain length of your gutter before you need to move the ladder. Don’t try to reach farther than is safe or you’ll risk falling and hurting yourself. If there is a particularly difficult area to reach, it may be a good idea to hire a residential roofing company, like us, to help with regular maintenance.
Flush the Gutters
After you remove all of the large debris, you can use your garden hose to flush out the remaining dirt and dust. Doing this will also help you notice if there are any small leaks in your gutter that need repair. A quality residential roofing company can repair those damages and ensure that your gutters are properly placed to protect your house and foundation.
Make Sure Your Gutters Are Clear and Not Damaged
Now you should have a better idea of how to safely and effectively clean your gutters. If you have any questions about your gutter system or if you find holes or cracks in your gutters, contact The Original Roofing Company. We can help you with gutter maintenance, installation, or just answer any questions you have about your existing gutters.
