All too often homeowners ignore the state of their home’s gutters until a major problem arises which, in nearly all cases, could have been prevented by properly performed gutter inspections and gutter cleaning. The damage which can result from neglected gutters varies from inconvenient situations like an increase in household pests to dramatically severe conditions including major water damage, ice dam developments, roofing or siding tears and collapses, and the need for a brand new gutter system installation! With all these potential problems at stake the importance of proper gutter cleaning becomes very clear!
Gutter Cleaning Safety Practices
Just as it’s easy to forget about the need for servicing on your gutters, it’s easy to think of gutter cleaning as a tedious project and nothing more. However, thinking like this often leads to property damage and even injuries since less care is taken then the task actually requires. Don’t underestimate the importance of safety practices in gutter cleaning services! Remember that professional gutter installation and cleaning technicians are specially trained to complete these services safely! To start your gutter cleaning project make sure that you have a sturdy, well-cared for ladder available and furthermore make sure that when you set it up along your home’s exterior it doesn't rest on the gutter itself since your pressure and movements could easily bend the gutter and decrease its effectiveness and reliability.
During the Cleaning
DIY gutter cleaning is absolutely a possibility for homeowners who feel confident about their ability to do the job well enough to depend upon throughout the rainy season. That said, for those who lack the time, comfort, or motivation to perform gutter cleaning on your own there are always professional gutter contractors who are available to hire for fairly affordable rates. Assuming, however, that you’re interested in performing your own gutter cleaning service it’s important to completely scoop your home’s gutters to rid them of any debris which may create clogs later while also inspecting for any conspicuous tears or cracks which are revealed in this cleaning process.
If you don’t happen to find any indications of cracks or tears during this first cleaning step then bring a standard pressure hose up the ladder with you both to reveal any leaks which may be compromising the condition of the system and to help clear smaller debris and unreachable areas like your home’s downspouts where debris can cause even more substantial damage than along your roof edge. Any leaks or tears which do appear should be inspected and repaired by professional gutter repair contractors as soon as possible to prevent any further damage from occurring.
