6 gutter cleaning tips for fall

As the weather turns cold, gutters start to fill with falling leaves. While it's not the most exciting chore, cleaning your gutters and downspouts is essential to the health of your home. 

 

Unfortunately, a dirty gutter system is vulnerable to damage, especially once the freezing temperatures hit. The good news is that you can make this chore easier by following these 6 cleaning tips for fall. 

 

Why is it important to clean your gutters? 

A clogged gutter means there's nowhere for the water to go when it rains. Instead, it accumulates on the edge of your roof, leading to trouble. For example: 

• Extended exposure to water can loosen shingles and even sink into the sublayer, where it can rot the internal structures of your house. 

• Structural damage can be expensive and inconvenient to repair; it is also dangerous to leave, as it may lead to your roof collapsing.

• It can lead to mold, which is a health hazard. Additionally, water attracts termites, which can further compromise your home. 

• Excess water can spill over the side of your gutters and puddle on the ground; this creates inconvenient mud. If left too long, groundwater can seep into your foundation, making them worse over time. 

• If you have soft soil, groundwater can also cause it to erode, and your foundation may shift, causing hidden structural issues. 

So, when you take good care of your gutter system, you care for your entire home. Additionally, a clean gutter looks nice, and that boosts curb appeal. If you're interested in selling your home, you want to do everything possible to increase curb appeal, as the first impression on potential buyers is essential.

 

What is the best way to clean your roof gutters? 

If you've never done it, you may wonder how to clean this home area. 

While you can hire a professional cleaning service, it is cheaper and more fun to do it yourself. As for tools needed, you need a few items, but they're inexpensive and easily purchased. 

 

1. Get the right gear 

Before you tackle this chore, make sure you have everything you need in your gutter cleaning kit: 

• Gardening gloves: protect your hands from sharp sticks and other hazards. 

• Bucket: here, you can dump all the dry leaves, branches, and accumulated dirt, which you can dump at the end of your task.

• Gutter scoop or scraper: this will help you move debris more efficiently into the bucket.

• Ladder: for easy access to the cleaning area

 

2. Put safety first 

You may be tempted to clamber onto the roof for this chore, but it's safer and easier to do from a ladder. Make sure you don't climb higher than the ladder is meant for, and move the ladder to clean a new section rather than leaning. You can use an extension ladder if needed.
 

3. Clear gutter debris 

The first actual step of cleaning is to clear out large debris, such as leaves and twigs. These objects can get stuck in the downspout, causing a blockage, so you want to remove them before flushing the gutter. The scraper is helpful for this step as it extends your reach. 

 

4. Clean toward the downspout 

Once you've cleared the debris, you can wash the remaining dirt toward the downspout. It's easy enough to do with a garden hose, though you can add a wand attachment for extended reach. You can also use a pressure washer for this step; the more water pressure, the easier and faster it is to flush the gutter guard system. 

5. Mark your calendar

It's best to clean gutters twice a year: Once in the spring and fall. With this regular cleaning, you can avoid water damage and its complications. Also, note that intense storms can cause debris to fall from nearby trees, so you should check your gutters after inclement weather to ensure they're not clogged. 

 

6. Install gutter guards 

If you want to make cleaning gutters easier, install a gutter guard or caps; these go over the top of your channels and keep debris from falling in without impacting water flow. If clogging is a recurring problem, you can consider regular gutter maintenance to avoid problems.

 

Max Warehouse helps you beautify your home!

Read our blog for more tips on cleaning and maintaining your home, not only on the outside but also on the inside. In our catalog, you will find all the gutter cleaning tools mentioned here and other products and tools to improve every room and green area and keep them clean.  

Feel free to browse our website; you will surely find more than one solution for your home.