Gutter cleaning is an important part of home maintenance that is often overlooked. Let’s be honest – most people don’t like the idea of getting on a ladder or walking across the edge of their roof to collect the leaves and debris from this season to clear your gutters. It can be dangerous and even more so as the weather gets colder outside. Gutters are designed to collect and divert rainwater away from your home, preventing water damage to your roof, walls, and foundation. When gutters become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, they can no longer do their job properly. This can lead to water pooling around your home, which can cause serious damage. Regular gutter cleaning is essential to keep your home safe and dry.
How to Clean Gutters
Fortunately, cleaning your gutters is a relatively straightforward process that you can do yourself if you choose to take on the task. Here are the steps to take when cleaning your gutters at home.
Step 1: Collect the Supplies
Before you begin, you’ll need to gather the supplies necessary for the job. Gather a ladder, a pair of gloves, a garden trowel, a bucket, and a hose. The best type of gloves for the job are going to be thick garden gloves or even leather work gloves. Make sure your ladder is sturdy and securely placed on the ground before you begin. A twin step ladder is going to be the preferable option over a straight ladder here so you can avoid resting the ladder against your gutters which could cause damage to the gutters.
Step 2: Remove the Debris
Once you have your supplies on hand, it’s time to get to work. Start by using the trowel to scoop out the leaves and other debris from the gutters. This can be quite messy so be sure to wear your gloves to protect your hands from sharp objects. This is where those thick gloves will help you from getting cut. Carefully place the debris from the gutters into the bucket. It may be tempting to just scoop out debris and throw it on the ground below, but then you’ll be left with twice as much work cleaning that up when you’re finished.
Note: As you work, take care not to grab onto your gutters for support or balance, they may not be sturdy enough and you could risk falling.
Step 3: Rinse the Gutters
Once you’ve removed all debris from your gutters, you’ll need to rinse them with the hose. Start at the top and work your way down. This will help to remove any remaining debris and ensure that the gutters are clean. If you find that the water isn’t draining completely from the gutters, you may have a clog somewhere, possibly in the downspout.
Step 4: Check for Leaks
Once you’ve finished rinsing the gutters and got the water to flow through with ease, check for any leaks or cracks. If you find any, you’ll want to repair them. If left unaddressed, leaky gutters can potentially cause damage to your home or you could end up with puddles in unwanted areas on the ground below.
Note: As you make your way around the house, you should also be checking that your gutter are securely attached to the house. If there are any areas that are loose, reattach them.
Step 5: Inspect Your Work
Once you’ve finished cleaning the gutters and checking for leaks, you should inspect your work to make sure everything is in order.
Cleaning your gutters is an important home maintenance task that will help to protect your home from water damage and other issues. Following these steps will help ensure that your gutters are clean and functioning properly.
Gutter Cleaning in Columbia, MO
If you’re looking for Gutter Cleaning in Columbia, MO, GP Construction can help. It is important to keep your gutters clean in Mid-Missouri as we have a lot of trees and this leads to a lot of natural debris blowing in storms or heavy rainfall. Even if you don’t have trees on your property, there still may be a lot of leaves and stray branches that made it into your gutters. Call G.P. Construction for help with your gutters today!