Cleaning Your Gutters

Clogged gutters lead to all sorts of problems. Water can leak into your foundation and impact wood and drywall. Mold can grow and flourish rapidly. The wood inside your roof will start to rot. This causes your roof to sag and eventually cave in, which necessitates the need for a replacement. This can be very expensive and time-consuming for homeowners. This is especially true if you live in a region where heavy rainfall is a common issue.

Clean gutters prevent water backup by redirecting it away from your home. Keeping them clear and free of debris should remain a priority at all times. Below are five ways to clean your gutters during the offseason.

1. Use an extensive water hose

An extensive water hose allows you to blast away leaves and other debris while standing on the ground. The only downside is that you won't be able to see everything, so you might want to think about going over your gutters a second time for a more thorough clean. This method works best with a curved attachment.

2. Use a wet/dry vacuum

This method also works at ground level. Simply apply a curved attachment as an extension and turn it on. The vacuum can blast out the leaves quickly. Follow up with a garden hose to clear out any remaining dirt or leaves for best results. Sweep up with a broom if necessary.

3. Clean your gutters with a leaf blower

A good leaf blower can clear away tree branches, dry twigs, and loose leaves within seconds. For a better grip, you should use a sturdy ladder. Simply aim the hose directly into the gutter to get the debris out. Follow up by sweeping up any fallen bits from the ground. An extended attachment will suffice if you need to clean from the ground level.

4. Use a plumbing snake

This handy device is famous for undoing plumbing clogs in hard-to-reach places. But did you know you can use it to clean stubborn dirt from your gutters? A snake can reach out and grab clusters of leaves and branches. You can combine it with a garden hose attachment for a more thorough job.

5. If necessary, hire a professional

If you live in a two-story home, hiring a professional is best. Any attempts at DIY gutter cleaning can be dangerous. Trying to climb a ladder alone is risky. Losing your balance is easy, especially if you're unsure of what you're doing. In this case, hiring a professional gutter cleaning service is your best solution.

More on gutters

You should clean your gutters at least twice a year. The best times are during the spring and fall. Temperatures are typically moderate, which makes any outdoor job like this a worthwhile venture.

There are other options for customizing your gutters. You can have them painted in a color of your choice. Or, you can install special gutter guards to protect them from collecting too much junk. For more inspiration on this and other home ideas, check us out on Facebook and Instagram.