Spring Cleaning Tips for Maintaining Your Gutters
Perhaps you associate gutter cleaning with autumn, but spring is also an important time to address this chore. It is particularly essential if you have large trees near your house. Bud castoffs and general gunk can cause issues in gutters just as much as fallen leaves. In addition to preventing the free flow of rainwater, accumulated debris can weigh down gutters and cause them to loosen or pull away from the eave. Debris can also clog downspouts.
If you choose to clean your gutters, here are a few bits of advice to keep in mind:
- Watch for power lines. Do not put your ladder near electrical lines, even if you believe the ladder is non-conductive.
- Always wear gloves. Gutters have lots of sharp points and metal screws that can scratch and cut your hands. The last thing you need is gutter gunk in fresh wounds. Safety goggles and a face mask would also be prudent.
- Use a leaf blower. If the debris isn’t too soggy, a leaf blower can quickly remove much of the debris.
- Use a gutter scoop. A scoop costs about four dollars, which is well worth the investment in terms of time savings.
- Hose it down. After removing as much debris as possible, run water along the gutter to ensure there are no blockages through the downspouts.
If your gutters are one story off the ground and you can easily reach them with a tall stepladder or short extension ladder, perhaps you can clean them by yourself. However, gutters two stories or higher can be dangerous to clean on your own and are best left us to professionals. Even one-story gutter cleaning and repair by experts can save you a lot of hassle and avoid safety concerns. To learn more, contact us at Premiere Roofing for a free consultation.
