It’s probably not the most entertaining way of spending your day off, but nonetheless, it’s very important to clean your gutters regularly. Clogged gutters can be costly and dangerous. In this article, you’ll read why it’s so important to perform proper gutter maintenance and how to do so. We’ll also provide a short DIY guide to help you through the process. But, if you can’t do it yourself, get a gutter vacuum cleaning professional to clean them.
When and Why You Should Clean Your Gutters
Typically, regular gutter cleaning means cleaning them at least twice a year. Although, if your roof and gutter are nearby trees, the chances are that you’ll have to do it more times per year. Gutters should be cleaned immediately if you notice that they’re clogged. They must be kept clean of leaves, twigs, and debris to be efficient. Failing to do so can compromise your roof drainage system, which can cause water damage to the siding of your house. It can also create puddles under your roof, rainwater leakage into your house, and damage your ceiling’s internal plaster.
Accumulating rainwater in puddles under your roof or in a blocked gutter can also have health consequences due to pest infection. In this case, you may notice an increase in mosquitoes, flies or carpenter ants. You can avoid this problem by checking your gutter conditions once a month. Dry leaves or debris can make it more prone to bushfires, as embers can get trapped on your roof and ignite the debris.
You can reduce the number of times you have to do this unpleasant task by installing high-quality gutter guards. Gutter guards prevent debris from clogging up the whole system. Not only do they keep the rainwater flowing, but they also make the cleaning process much simpler. These guards come in a variety of materials such as nylon mesh screens, plastic, aluminium and lightweight metal.
Consider upgrading your drainage system if you have recurrent clogging, as this can mean that your gutters can’t cope with the volume of debris and leaves. In this case, it’s advisable to install a larger and deeper gutter. Hiring a professional can help you decide whether it’s the case to change the system.
How to Clean Your Gutters
Cleaning a gutter isn’t rocket science, but it can be laborious. Moreover, it requires some protective gear so that you can do it safely. If you’re unsure how to do it or don’t have the appropriate tools for the task, hire a professional gutter cleaning service. Safety first, here are the items you’ll need:
- A sturdy ladder
- Goggles to protect your eyes from debris
- Suede or leather gloves
If you’re regularly cleaning your drainage system, it’s worth getting the right tools for it to make your job less bothersome. Here are the main ones:
- A vacuum cleaner (preferably)
- A strong bucket
- A scoop
- A cleaning wand for hard-to-reach places
Gutter cleaning isn’t a complex task, although it can be time-consuming. It can be a dangerous job if you don’t have the right gear for it. Faulty ladders or having to stretch too much to reach far corners can put your life in danger. Make sure your gloves are puncture resistant. In any case, you can always look for professional help.