Simple Steps for Cleaning Your Gutters

Simple Steps for Cleaning Your Gutters

You may be wondering whether or not you should clean your gutters? Is it even worth your time? We would argue yes. In fact, it can save you both your roof and money. Cleaning your gutters is a simple process that prevents damage from happening. It’s also an easy and preventative way to spot roof and siding damage before too late. Here are four simple steps for cleaning your gutters that will help save your roof and your wallet in the future.

1. Select the right tools
2. Cleaning and watering
3. Look for damage
4. Hire a professional if needed

Select the Right Tools

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

• Ladder
• Gloves
• Gardening trowel
• Water Hose
• Buckets
• Safety Glasses
• Wooden pole

Implementing these tools will help make the process easier and quicker. Consider eye protection to prevent debris damage. Likewise, using a bucket to hold your tools and leaves you clear out of your gutter. Items like a garden trowel can make gathering leaves and other objects easier. You can also protect your hands by using a garden trowel from pests that like to hide in your gutters. Finally, keep your gloves on when cleaning out your gutters.

Another tool to consider using is a power washer if you don’t want to touch your gutters. Simply start at one end and wash the leaves out of the drain. However, a power washer can cause sagging in your gutters, and you don’t want that!

Cleaning and Watering

First, 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 forward.

Remove any leaves, acorns, stickers, critters, or any other debris you find. If you see multiple spots of pests or animals, hire a professional to handle 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. You may have a clog if you notice that the objects are not coming out of the downspout. You can either remove this with intense water pressure or by sticking a pole down the drain pipe. Consider hiring a professional if you experience large clogs. 

Look for Damage

 While cleaning your gutters, take notice of any damage. 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 sagging or standing water in your gutters. That is a sign your gutters are not properly maintained. If you have standing water, it will eventually seep into your siding or roof. Make sure each piece of your gutter is slanted to allow debris and rainwater to flow down the spout.

 Look for storm damage while cleaning your gutters. After violent storms, gutters can be removed and damaged, creating blockages. Check around your house for minor problems before they lead to bigger ones. Gutter guards can help prevent this, and routine cleaning will not be needed as frequently.

Hire a Professional for Cleaning Your Gutters

If you notice multiple damaged points within your gutters or cracks in your siding, you need to hire a professional to restore your home to its best condition. Don’t try to DIY and end up violating your insurance policy. Instead, leave it to the pros that will work with your insurance.

At Galaxy Construction and Roofing, we can repair your roof, gutters, and siding! We’ll help you prevent mold from seeping in and keep your family safe. Contact us today to see how we can help you!