Clean Your Gutters for a Clean, Maintained Home

Gutters take water from your roof during a rainstorm and send it where you want it to go. By moving the water away from the foundation, gutters can extend the life of your home and prevent problems. However, gutter cleaning is essential to free the system of leaves, sticks and other debris that can clog the system preventing the flow of water.

Equipment

Before you clean your gutters, you need a variety of tools and equipment to perform the job. Gloves, safety glasses, hedge trimmers, a ladder, drill, drill bits, garden hose with nozzle and a bucket are essential to performing the various tasks you may need to do. There could be hedges, tree limbs and loose gutters that need to be removed or repaired.

Check

Perform a check on the system so you know what needs to be done. Run a little water through the gutter to see if there are blockages. Look for cracks, holes and loose gutters. Inspect the fascia on the roof where the gutters connect for any issues that need attention.

Maintenance

Trim away any tree limbs or hedges blocking the drainage system. Then repair any damaged sections or pieces of the gutters needing it. If the gutters need a lot of work, it may be time to look into a new system altogether.

Benefits

Not only do clean gutters allow for proper water drainage, but they also improve the look of your home. Trapped water in clogged gutters can become breeding grounds for mosquitos and other insects. Standing water can cause problems with mildew and mold. Properly draining gutters keep the foundation from having unnecessary water damage which can cause rot. A heavy rain or ice dams can cause the system to loosen or detach from the roof when the water cannot flow through easily. Annually gutter cleaning may seem like an arduous task, but it is a necessary part of homeownership. If the task seems too daunting, hiring a professional can save you time and aid in home maintenance.