4 Essential Steps to Cleaning Your Gutters

Cleaning your gutters this year but not sure if you’re doing it right? Don’t worry; we can help! Cleaning your gutters is simple and prevents a lot of damage from happening. It’s also one of the few ways to spot roof and siding damage before it is too late. Here’s a breakdown of all you need to know about cleaning gutters.

1. Selecting the right tools to clean your gutters
2. Cleaning and watering your gutters
3. Take notice of damage
4. Seek professional help if needed

Selecting the right tools to clean your gutters

When you are cleaning your gutters you need the right tool for the job. While their are some basic tools that will get the job done, here are some others that will make the job a lot easier:

• Ladder
• Gloves
• Long sleeve work shirt and clothes to get dirty in
• Garden trowel
• At least one bucket
• A water hose
• Glasses to block debris
• A simple wooden pole

Using these tools will help make the process easier on your body and quicker. Use a bucket to hold your tools and the leaves you clear out of your gutter. Consider eye protection to keep you from falling while on the ladder. Items like a garden trowel or a hand rake can make gathering leaves and other objects easier. You also protect your hands by using a garden trowel as pesky bugs and other pests like to hide in your gutters. Keep your gloves on at all times when cleaning out your gutters.

It’s not mentioned in the list, but if you don’t want to actually touch your gutters, consider a powerwasher. You start at one end and wash the leaves out of the drain. Keep in mind, a powerwasher is strong and may cause sagging in your gutters. You don’t want that! Water and other debri can seep into your siding and roof if this happens. Fix gutter slope as soon as you spot it.

Cleaning and watering your gutters

First, make sure your ladder is placed on a secure footing. Make sure the ground isn’t wet or soft and can withstand the pressure of you on the ladder. Next, take your garden trowel and begin scraping leaves either into your bucket or onto the ground. You will want to start away from the drain spout and move closer to the drain spot as you move onward.

Remove any stickers, leaves, acorns, critters, or any other debri you find. If you find multiple spots of pests or critters, hire a professional to deal with them. Go around all areas of the house ending at the drain spout.

Once you have completed this, take a water hose and spray the gutters down for any leftover dirt or leaves and allow it to drain down the drain spout. If you notice that the objects are not coming out of the downspout, you may have a clog. In order to clear your gutter properly, you will want to unclog the drain spot. You can do this by trying to clear the clog with intense water pressure or by sticking a pole down the drain pipe. Both options can be somewhat daunting and lead to accidents. Consider a professional if you experience large clogs. 

Take notice of damage

While you are cleaning your gutters, take notice of any damage that you see. Whether it is roof damage, gutter damage, or siding damage, you need to take stock of what you see. Routine roof maintenance can help keep your gutters clear of debris and protect your home.

Look for any sagging or water standing still in your gutters. That is a sign that your gutters are not properly sloped for your home. Standing water will eventually seep into your siding or your roof depending on how bad it is. Negate this by making sure each piece of your gutters is slanted to allow debri and rainwater to flow down the drain spout.

Also, look for storm damage while cleaning your gutters. After violent storms, gutters can be removed and damaged creating blockages. Check around your house after every storm to catch the small problems before they lead to big ones. Gutter guards can help prevent this somewhat, and routine cleaning will not be needed as frequently.

Seek professional help if needed

As you are cleaning your gutters, you may notice cracks in your siding or multiple damaged points within your gutters. If you find serious problems or roof shingles in your gutters, you need to hire a professional. A professional can help you restore your gutters, roof, and siding to the best that it can be. Don’t try to DIY and end up violating your insurance policy. Instead, leave it to the pros that will work with your insurance.

Are you trying to clean your gutters but noticing more and more damage? Are you worried about the status of your roof and siding? Then you need a company that will work with your insurance to get the most value for your dollar. At Galaxy Construction and Roofing we can repair your roof, gutters, and siding on your home! We’ll help you prevent mold from seeping in and keep your family safe. Contact us today to see how we can help you!