Posted by The gutters around your home are very important since they protect against damage to your foundation, landscaping, siding etc. However, gutters usually fill up with debris such as leaves, sticks and even ice which can cause clogs and other problems. As a result, you should try to clean your gutters at least twice per year and we will now look at how you can do just that.
First, you’ll need to wear the proper attire which would be work pants, a long sleeve t-shirt and protective gloves. Cleaning gutters is quite the dirty job, so make sure you’re well protected. Next, you’ll need an extendable ladder in order to reach the gutters. Make sure that the ladder is very stable and if possible, use a ladder stabilizer.
Next, you’ll need to use a small plastic scoop in order to scoop out the debris from your gutters. You can easily purchase a gutter scoop from your local hardware or you can even use a toy shovel if that is available. An old kitchen spatula can also be used. However, make sure that you set up a tarp under you so that the debris lands on it and not on your landscaping.
Once you’ve finished removing all of the debris from the gutters around your home, you need to flush them using a garden hose. This will help to remove any remaining debris and it can even show you if there are leaks in your guttering. If you do have leaks, then you may need to install new gutters. If you have seal leaking end caps, then you’ll need to reseal the caps. You’ll have to scrub off the oxidation around the end cap using steel wool, rinse and allow to dry. Then, place sealer around the cap and quickly press it in and allow it to dry.
You may also want to consider installing gutter covers which will prevent debris from getting into your guttering. There are many different types and styles of gutter covers, so be sure to look at all your options before deciding on one.
In closing, we have just looked at how you can easily clean your home’s gutters. It is surely a dirty job, but it will go a long way in protecting your home. If you don’t want to clean out the gutters yourself, then you should look into getting a gutter cleaning robot that will do the job for you.
