It’s Essential to Clean the Gutters
Gutter cleaning is a necessary home maintenance task that should be on your to-do list at least twice a year. Keep the gutters free from clogs to protect your home’s roof and foundation. Clean your gutters by hand or use tools like a leaf blower with a gutter attachment kit, a pressure washer, or a shop vac to help remove debris.
During spring, set aside time for home maintenance. One of the most important spring tasks is cleaning the gutters. Clogged gutters will overflow, leading to roof leaks, mold growth, and foundation and landscaping damage. The clogged areas also attract pests and encourage rodents to nest there. Cleaning your gutters is not difficult and most homeowners find they can easily accomplish this project.
Tools for Gutter Cleaning
Gather tools and equipment for cleaning gutters. You’ll want to have an extendable ladder, thick gloves, a hand shovel to scoop out the debris, a bucket for gathering the debris, and a garden hose with running water to flush the gutters after unclogging them. Instead of a bucket, you might spread a tarp on the ground beneath your ladder. Remove pine needles, twigs, leaves, and other debris from the guttering and toss it down to the tarp. Ask a friend or family member to steady the ladder as you work.
How to Clean Gutters
It is easier to clean the gutters when the materials are dry. After heavy rain, the debris will be heavy and more difficult to remove. Place your ladder on a level and stable area as close as possible to the gutters. Grab the shovel and bucket and climb up the ladder until you can easily reach the gutter. Scoop out debris using your gloved hands and the shovel when needed. Gather the collected waste into the bucket or drop it onto the tarp below.
Staying safe while cleaning your gutters is critical. So, if you cannot reach any point easily, do not try to stretch further while on the ladder. Step down and relocate the ladder to a better position. After removing leaves, twigs, and debris, use a hose to flush the gutter channels. While the water is flowing, check to make sure there are no leaks or cracks in the guttering and that water is flowing freely from the downspouts.
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