Gutter Cleaning If you’ve ever attempted to clean out your roof gutters on your own, you know it can be a difficult and unpleasant task. Perhaps you’re even wondering why (or if) cleaning out your gutters is even necessary in the first place! Well, here’s the answer: yes, cleaning your gutters on a regular basis is critical to the performance and longevity of your roof system. Let us begin by discussing why this is the case.Gutter Cleaning
If you’ve ever attempted to clean out your roof gutters on your own, you know it can be a difficult and unpleasant task. Perhaps you’re even wondering why (or if) cleaning out your gutters is even necessary in the first place! Well, here’s the answer: yes, cleaning your gutters on a regular basis is critical to the performance and longevity of your roof system. Let us begin by discussing why this is the case.Gutter Cleaning
You must first understand how roof gutters function. One of the primary ways that a roof protects your home or business is by directing rain and other precipitation away from it. The fact is that all of this moisture has to go somewhere, which is where gutters come in. The gutters and downspouts attached to your roof direct the flow of water away from your home.Gutter Cleaning
At the same time, all it takes to stop the flow of water is a buildup of leaves and other debris in your gutters. When this happens, the water begins to back up, which can cause serious damage to your gutters, roof, foundation, and other aspects of your building’s infrastructure. That’s not good!Gutter Cleaning
The Joys of Gutter Cleaning … Not!
Gutter cleaning is not a “fun” activity by any stretch of the imagination. The tried-and-true method entails climbing a ladder, physically reaching into your gutters, and being prepared to get your hands filthy. While tackling the task from above may sound appealing to some, clambering around your roof is probably not the best way to clean your gutters. While getting on top of the roof may not bother some people, there are some additional safety risks that come with this approach. An unintentional fall from your roof can cause serious injuries, some of which are life-threatening.
If you insist on cleaning your gutters by hand, we recommend that you stay on your ladder and reach into the gutters from beneath. Yes, you will have to move your ladder several times to reach all of your gutters, but the extra effort may be worth it in terms of ensuring your personal safety. If you’re using the “reach and scoop” method, here are some additional tips:Gutter Cleaning
- A folding step ladder will most likely not get you as high as you need to be, especially for taller roof edges. Use an extension ladder.
- When working with ladders, it’s always a good idea to have a partner on the ground to help stabilise the ladder’s base.
- Unless you enjoy the sensation of sinking your hands into a metal tube of muck, invest in a pair of heavy-duty work gloves or rubber gloves.
- Remember to clean out the downspouts as well. This is where the majority of debris collects, so having a clear, free-flowing downspout is critical to the success of your roof gutter system.Gutter Cleaning
Helpful Tips for Simplifying the Gutter Cleaning Process
Now that we’ve dealt with the bad news, let’s move on to the good. Cleaning a gutter with a reach-and-scoop isn’t the only option! There are also some simpler methods that require MORE POWER, also known as power tools. Let’s take a closer look at three in particular:
Ø Leaf Blower
Leaf blowers do more than just speed up the raking process. They can also help to speed up your gutter cleaning efforts by requiring far less reaching and scooping. Simply climb your extension ladder, point your leaf blower at your gutters, and begin ejecting the leaves and debris. Alternatively, there are some extension kits available that will allow you to operate your blower from ground level, eliminating the need to climb a ladder! One disadvantage of this method is that the muck blown out of your gutters is more likely to fall on you, so be sure to dress appropriately. Wearing goggles to protect your eyes is also a good idea.Gutter Cleaning
Ø Spray Hose
If your leaves and debris are still wet from the previous storm, a leaf blower may be unable to move them. Wet leaves, on the other hand, can be moved with more water! In many cases, all you need to do is attach a spray nozzle to your garden hose, start at the far end of your gutter, and flush it out slowly towards the downspout end. One thing to keep in mind with this method is that you want to keep your aim squarely on the gutter; a stream sprayed beneath the shingles can result in water damage. As a result, we don’t recommend using a power washer, as the sheer velocity of the water spray can end up putting more water beneath your roof or even causing damage to the roofing material itself.Gutter Cleaning
Ø Shop Vac
What if you could simply vacuum your gutters? Wouldn’t it be nice not to have to worry about gutter gunk being blown or sprayed all over the place? You certainly can! Wet/dry vacuums can handle virtually any type of gutter debris. Straight and curved attachment kits are now available that are specifically designed for cleaning gutters while standing on the ground. You can suck out a LOT of debris and filth with your wet/dry vac if your aim is good enough to land the tip of your extended tubing into the heart of your gutter. After you’ve vacuumed up the majority of the debris, some experts recommend performing a simple garden hose flush to remove any remaining material.
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For an Even Easier Solution, Just Install a Gutter Guard!
Unless you enjoy cleaning out your gutters on a regular basis, there is a better solution available. Install a high-quality gutter guard installation that is designed to keep your gutters from becoming clogged in the first place! Gutter guards are designed to be installed on top of your gutters to prevent leaves and debris from accumulating while still allowing water to flow freely. That’s pretty cool. These gutter guards save you from climbing a ladder and doing the work by hand, they help prevent ice dams and hanging icicles, and they also help prevent bird and rodent nesting. When there is less combustible material in your gutters, there is less of a fire risk on your roof.
Considering the Best Gutter & Gutter Guard Solutions? Skywalker Can Help!
Skywalker Windows & Siding has the best gutter & gutter guard solutions in North Carolina and Virginia. We manufacture and install custom seamless gutters, as well as gutter guard products from Shur Flo, Raindrop, and Leaf Slugger. Nobody cares more about your gutters and gutter guards than Skywalker! Contact us today and let us demonstrate the Skywalker difference!
About the Author:
David composes for points like Home Improvement, Kitchen stylistic layout, Garden or travel-related themes furthermore; he has an enthusiasm for the metal structure industry for over ten years, Kylo has become an accomplished structure expert in this industry.
He will probably assist individuals with his huge information to help them with his best recommendations about various Home Decors, for example, Doors Replacements, Siding, Windows Replacement, Siding replacement, and business structures.
