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Gutters do a big job—they protect your home from water damage and flooding. So this Summer when you are getting everything cleaned out, don’t forget your gutters.
To do their job, gutters and downspouts must be free of leaves and debris. If they aren’t, drain outlets will dam up and rainwater will fill the gutters, back up, overflow and eventually pull gutters loose from their mountings. The water that pools in troughs will rot wood gutters and rust sheet metal ones. Cleaning gutters is an easy way to save money and preserve your home’s value at the same time.
Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year. If you have trees overhanging your roof, plan on cleaning them more often. But unless you’re sure of yourself on a ladder or can work safely from your home’s roof, consider paying a professional to do the work.
If you decide to clean the gutters yourself, make sure you have a sturdy ladder and place it on a level, solid base. Stepladders often work better than extension ladders. Follow all the safety directions for using a ladder and never stand on the top rungs. Working directly from the roof also is an option if your home’s roof isn’t too steeply pitched.
Cleaning gutters is one job you want to do when the weather is dry and there is no wind. Even a slight breeze can cause problems when you’re working higher up. Wear shoes with non-slip soles and be sure to check the location of any nearby utility or telephone lines. Use work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts or screws in the gutters, and be sure to wear safety glasses or goggles.
Once you get started, there are several methods you can use to clean your gutters:
• Starting at the downspout outlet and working away from it, you can use a small trowel, scoop or even your hand to remove loose material.
• Working toward the downspout outlet, you can use a water hose and wash out the gutter. Be sure to have the hose turned on a low enough setting that it doesn’t spray mud and debris on your house or you! Loosen dried material with a brush or scraper.
• If the downspout doesn’t drain, you can use the hose to flush debris and material down them. If this doesn’t work, use a plumber’s snake to remove material from the bottom of the downspout.
• If your roof has a low slope, you can use a leaf blower to blast material out of gutters. Be sure to use goggles and a mask for protection if you try this method.
If you see any leaks in your gutters or downspouts, mark their location and use sealant to repair them after they’ve dried. This is also the perfect time to realign gutters that drain improperly with new hangers or fasteners.
Relatively new on the market are several different kinds of gutter-protection systems. Offered under several names, many of these involve screens which are placed over the gutters. Be advised—material can still filter through the screens and they must be removed periodically to clean out the gutters. These systems can be expensive, so check out what all is included and how easy the system is to use.
Rarely does anyone like to clean gutters, and everyone puts it off as long as possible. There comes a time, however, when you just have to buckle down and do it. In the long run, you will be glad you did.
Home improvement tips from Little Giant Discount. The home of the Little Giant Ladder system as seen on tv.
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