Gutters are more than just an accessory for your roof. They are a small but important component of your roofing system that directs water away from the siding and maintains the integrity of your home. However, most homeowners overlook the value and importance of gutters, as they’re so out of sight. You may even be guilty of forgetting to clean and maintain them every now and then.
Let’s face it, cleaning gutters and downspouts is no fun at all! No matter how inconvenient it may seem, removing dirt and debris from your gutter should be done at least 2-3 times a year.
In this blog, we will discuss Gutter Cleaning 101, its benefits, common gutter cleaning tasks, and how you can go about it yourself. So, let’s get started!
Why Is Gutter Cleaning Important?
While cleaning your gutters certainly isn’t the most fun weekend project, it’s an important one, nonetheless. Gutters are an essential part of the house that prevents basement flooding, minimizes soil erosion, and avoids foundation problems. There are so many reasons why you need to have your gutters cleaned out, and here’s just some of them:
Prevent Water Damage
When it rains, the rainwater falls from the sky, hits your roof, and goes down into the gutters. Clogged gutters are a big no-no, as the debris and leaves stop the water from going away from the property. As water overflows, it will pool against your foundation and can cause water damage to your home’s interior and exterior.
Don’t let your house flood due to an unmaintained gutter system. Prevent water damage from gutters by cleaning them during the spring and autumn.
Keep Out Pests and Insects
If you ignore your gutters and downspouts, you are making your home a breeding ground for pests without realizing it. A gutter filled with rotting leaves, twigs, and any other debris is a perfect place for insects and bugs to nest. Insect infestation can cause diseases and irreversible property damage.
Regular gutter cleaning prevents leaves and other debris from piling up. If there’s no debris buildup and standing water, there will be no breeding places for pests and insects.
Maintain Home’s Curb Appeal
Nobody wants their gutters to look cluttered, ugly, and beyond repair. Your sagging, discolored gutters can stand in the way of improving your home’s curb appeal. Keep your gutters aesthetically pleasing and durable by cleaning and giving them a good power wash to remove moss from the surfaces.
Increase the Lifespan of Your Gutters
All the accumulated debris and litter will eventually damage your gutters as they add any unnecessary weight and cause sagging. As a result of this, the materials will quickly deteriorate, and the gutters will soon fall off due to rusting and corrosion.
Routine cleaning of your gutters will help them last longer and prevent damage to your roof, saving you thousands in possible repair and replacement costs.
Stop Gutter Problems Before They Start
Keeping your gutters working properly is quite simple, but many people find it daunting and downright confusing. The problem is when gutters become damaged, it will affect your house’s structural health and cost you tons of money.
The best way to treat gutter damage is by being proactive and avoiding it in the first place. Preventive maintenance can eliminate gutter issues before they start, extend your gutter’s lifespan, and avoid paying for expensive repairs in the future.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Gutter Cleaning
Gutter cleaning can be a DIY task, especially if you have a single-story home. The process can be quite time-consuming, but not if you know all the tasks you need to do.
Step 1: Wear protective gear like a long-sleeve shirt, safety goggles, dust mask, and rubber gloves to protect your eyes and prevent any injuries. Prepare all the tools that you need for the job.
Step 2: Climb your ladder, then scoop out and remove debris and leaves from your gutters using a shovel or trowel. You can drop all debris into a bucket or bag. Take your time removing the debris to avoid falling off the ladder.
Step 3: Flush all remaining gunk and debris with a garden hose or a handheld blower. You can start washing from the end that is opposite the downspout. Rinsing out the gutters will also help you check if you have a leaking gutter or clogged downspout.
Step 4: Check your gutters to ensure they are securely attached to the fascia. If you have noticed any severe damage, call a professional gutter repair company for help.
Step 5: Clean up any debris on the ground and surrounding your property, then dispose of it properly.
Final Thoughts
We hope this blog post kept you informed about the importance of gutter cleaning. The key point here is that your gutters will work as long as you regularly have them cleaned and maintained.
Hate cleaning your gutters? Let a pro do it for you!
Pittsburgh Gutter Cleaning is here to inspect and clean them, prevent further damage, and get your gutters back in working order. Let us take care of the work for you, so you don’t have to tackle your gutter cleaning tasks alone!