Photo: istockphoto.com
Of all the necessary ailments that make up a complete fall garden maintenance routine, gutter cleaning is perhaps the most dreaded of all. As tedious as this task is, owners are advised not to neglect it. Well-functioning gutters ensure that no rainwater gets inside.
Learning how to clean gutters is not difficult, and with the right precautions, it is safe. There are a variety of ways to remove these leaves from gutters before they clog and damage them, and there is no single best method for every homeowner. Some people don't like to use pressure washers and others don't want their feet off the ground. The best way to clean gutters is using a safe and effective method you are familiar with.
Why is it important to clean the gutters of your home?
Gutters perform the vital function of collecting rain that falls on the roof and directing it away from the home's foundation through downspouts. Without gutters , water falling near the foundation could seep through windows or seep into a basement or basement.
Gutters generally require very little maintenance to function well, other than keeping them debris-free. Leafy gutters can cause downspouts to clog, causing water to run down the gutter channel and onto the floor. Worse, the freeze-thaw cycles of winter can cause snow on the roof to melt into the gutter and freeze there. These ice-filled gutters are sometimes so heavy that they detach from the roof.
RELATED ARTICLE: How to Prevent and Eliminate Ice Buildup
Safety when cleaning gutters
Swinging onto a telescoping ladder while trying to remove leaves from a gutter isn't the safest way to get the job done. The good news is that there are several gutter cleaning tools that homeowners can use to get rid of debris while keeping their feet on the ground.
advertising
If you must climb a ladder, clean the gutters , do not use a stepladder, which can tip over if you lose your balance. Instead, use a sturdy extension ladder and place a helper at the foot to stabilize the ladder.
For any home with more than one story, it's best to hire a gutter cleaning service to do the job for you. These companies have the right equipment to safely access tall gutters. Don't try to climb on your roof to clean the gutters, it's not worth the risk.
RELATED: What NOT to do when cleaning your home's gutters
How to clean floor gutters
Gutter cleaning from the ground up is effective and by far the safest method of cleaning gutters. You have to do it slowly and systematically because you can't really see what you're doing and yes, it will probably take a little longer than if you were up a ladder. The most common methods of cleaning gutters require a garden hose or commercial wet/dry vacuum and a few helpful accessories. These are the top two gutter cleaning techniques for those who prefer to work with their feet firmly planted on the ground.
Photo: Amazon.com
Cleaning the gutter with a garden hose
As long as they aren't completely clogged, it's relatively easy to clear gutters from ground level using a garden hose fitted with an accessory such as the GutterMaster Telescoping Water Supply Pole or any other bent-ended water supply hose that can be inserted into the ground the gutter Start at the end closest to the downspout, spray the entire length of the duct, then work your way up the downspout. Water, leaves, and small twigs are likely to fall down the sides of the gully, so dress appropriately.
advertising
RELATED: Are Aligners Really Necessary?
Photo: Amazon.com
Clean gutters with a wet/dry vacuum
Another way to remove debris from gutters is to use a wet/dry vacuum , which comes equipped with the curved hoses and accessories you need to reach clogged gutters from the ground. Hardware stores and online retailers offer these gutter cleaning kits (one to consider is the Craftsman Gutter Cleaning Kit for Shop Vacs ). When you've removed most of the dirt from the gutters, flush the gutters and downspout with water from a garden hose.
How to clean gutters while standing on a ladder
Climbing a ladder to clean gutters is not as safe as cleaning from the ground as there is always a risk of falling. To reduce this risk, it is important to use the right ladder. Avoid using a stepladder that can tip over.
It is safer to use a stable extension ladder equipped with stabilizing arms. These arms, like the Werner True Grip Stabilizer , keep the ladder on the ground and prevent it from slipping sideways. It's always a good idea to have a helper on the ground to hold the ladder and hand out tools when you need them. Before you climb up and prepare to cleanse, decide which of the following methods works best for your situation.
RELATED: Never Make These 13 Mistakes With a Ladder
Photo: istockphoto.com
Roof and gutter cleaning with a leaf blower
Many leaf blowers come with a nozzle that releases a powerful stream of air, and it's perfect for blowing leaves and twigs out of the gutter. Position your ladder so you can work from one end of the canal to the other, clearing obstacles as you go. Block off the downspout first with a rag or old towel to prevent leaves from getting inside. When you're done blowing, use a hose to rinse off any remaining leaves or twigs.
advertising
Photo: istockphoto.com
Clean the gutters with a high-pressure cleaner
How long has it been since you cleaned your gutters? If so, be prepared for a layer of dirt and debris that has likely accumulated in the meantime. Blow with the fine spray nozzle of your pressure washer. (This type of cleaning can get messy: you may need to rinse the roof and trim afterwards.) For clogged gutters and downspouts in particular, there's no better solution than a pressure washer. Simply point the nozzle at the hole and flush the stem until water can flow freely through it.
RELATED: How to pressure wash a house
Photo: istockphoto.com
Clean gutters by hand
To manually clean gutters , you'll need a ladder, bucket, gutter shovel (or garden trowel ), and heavy-duty work gloves . Remove leaves and debris with a handful and discard what you remove in the bucket. When you're done, rinse the gutters and downspout with water until you're sure they're both clean and working properly. Tip: If your downspouts are clogged and you don't have a pressure washer, try using a plumber's hose to break the clog, then use a hose to flush it out.
Avoid clogged gutters
An ounce of gutter clog protection saves a lot of time and goes a long way toward keeping gutters clean and debris-free . To reduce or eliminate the frequency of gutter cleaning, consider installing a mesh such as the Raptor Micro-Mesh Stainless Steel Gutter Guard . Allows water to flow through the screen while blocking leaves and twigs.
Other types of gutter guards, like the LeafGuard Gutter System , direct running water down the gutter but keep leaves and debris out. This type of system requires professional installation and is extruded on site to the length of the roof edge, eliminating the need for splices in the gutters. A seamless pan means little to no leaks and drips.
advertising
Photo: istockphoto.com
frequently asked questions
Although we've outlined several methods for cleaning gutters, you may still have questions about the process. The following frequently asked questions may shed some light on this outdoor task.
Q. How often should you clean your gutters?
Once a year is usually sufficient after the leaves fall in the fall. Then the gutters are full of leaves that need to be removed before winter.
Q. What is the best way to clean gutters?
The best gutter cleaner depends on the foliage accumulation and the ease with which the gutter is accessible. If you're cleaning from a ladder, a shovel will come in handy. If you prefer to clean the gutter firmly anchored to the ground, a telescopic pole is a better choice.
Q. Is it okay to go on the roof to clean the gutters?
It is not save. Although some professional gutter cleaners can walk on the roof, the average homeowner should not attempt this. Follow some of the methods listed above for safer gutter cleaning.
Hate cleaning your gutters?
Hire a professional to do the dirty work for you. Get free, no-obligation project estimates from gutter experts today.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire