Do you have a gutter system along your roof’s edges? Is it in good condition? Is it clear of all debris?
It is amazing how many homes have inadequate or no gutter systems. Those who do have adequate gutter systems often go too long between cleanings. When this happens, the gutters cannot perform their duties well. A clean gutter catches water running off the roof and guides it away from the house. Having non-functioning or no gutters means that rain runoff can damage the home’s siding, windows, and foundation.
Gutter Cleaning as DIY Project or a Project For Professionals?
If a home has no gutters, damaged gutters, or gutters in need of cleaning, now is the time to fix that situation. Getting the gutter cleaning done in the spring is a great idea, but fall cleaning is even better. If gutters have been neglected, hire a professional gutter cleaning service to clean, inspect, and repair them. These professionals have all the equipment to get the job done quickly and safely.
If the gutters need replacing, gutter experts can advise the homeowner of their options. If a home is one story with straight runs of gutters, a homeowner can visit a home center and buy the lengths of gutter and install them as a DIY project. These simple gutter arrangements might also be a type that the homeowner can clean if they do it regularly so debris does not build up. But, for homes over one story or with a complicated gutter arrangement that includes angles and seams to figure out, stick with a professional installation. The same goes for gutter cleaning. It is simply not worth falling off a ladder and being injured or investing the time these complicated gutters take to clean.
How To Tell If Gutters Are Damaged or Worn Out
Every year, a homeowner should walk around their house inspecting the gutters and exterior walls. Some trouble signs include the following:
· Cracks or holes in the gutters that can lead to damage to the siding below and the roof above them. If not repaired, the problems will get worse and lead to more damage.
· Paint on the gutter or on the siding below the gutter showing signs of cracking or peeling means trouble. This damage represents standing water in the gutters and time to get them cleaned or replaced.
· Gutters should keep water moving and not hold it, so if there is standing water in the gutters, it is a sign the gutters are not working correctly. If there are pools of water along the home’s foundation, it means gutters are not moving the water to the downspouts as they should. Are the gutters full of debris? Are there holes in the gutters?
· Water damage or stains on the siding below or behind the gutters mean the gutters are not handling the water as they should. They need cleaning or replacing.
· Signs of the gutters pulling away from the house or sagging can mean the gutters are full of water-logged debris and need cleaning and or replacing.
· Seams that have broken or come apart need to be repaired or the gutters replaced to avoid damaging water leaks.
· If the metal gutters are rusted, it is time for a new gutter system. Rust is a sign of wear and of weakening metal.
· When the homeowner sees fallen nails or fasteners below the gutters, the fasteners must be replaced to improve the integrity of the gutter system. If they cannot be securely installed, it may be time for a new gutter system.
What is the Purpose of Gutters on a House?
Homeowners might wonder why they should spend money to have a new gutter system installed or pay to clean an existing one. There are several good reasons to have a gutter system on every home.
· The gutter system protects the house from rain by redirecting water from the roof and away from the house.
· A gutter system will last for 20 years or more depending on the materials used and the maintenance performed.
· Gutters cut down the moisture and condensation on windows and window sills so the windows last longer.
· Gutters protect the interior and exterior walls from rain during storms.
· Gutters prevent rainwater from getting into the foundation, crawl space, or basement.
How To Clean Your Gutters Safely
All gutters need to be maintained and cleaned periodically. Though it is advisable to hire a professional gutter cleaning company to do the job, there are homeowners who want to do the job themselves to save money. The proper DIY way to clean gutters involves these steps.
1. Use a ladder that is strong enough and in good condition. Use a standoff with the ladder to prevent denting the roof or gutters. Choose the ladder that is the right height. Make sure the ladder is securely placed to prevent slips and tipping over. And, stay on the ladder while doing the cleaning. Do not climb up on the roof.
2. Be sure to wear protective clothes, gloves, and strong shoes with closed toes. Wear clothes that stay close to the body to prevent clothing from getting caught on something during the job. Do not wear clothing that will be missed if it is damaged or stained during this dirty job.
3. Use the correct tools, such as gutter scoops and a hose with a forceful spray attachment. Have tools handy to make repairs as needed to brackets and hangers. If there are seams coming apart or small leaks, have butyl-based gutter caulk and tools ready to fix them as soon as the gutter is dry.
4. Clean the gutter system in the correct order to eliminate wasted effort. Start at the downspouts, unclogging them with water spray or other tools to let trapped water escape. If there are elbows in the gutter system, clean them out with water spray or by taking them apart, cleaning, and properly reattaching them. Next, remove all debris from the gutter runs with a gutter scoop or other equipment. Scooping the debris out with your hands can lead to injuries. The homeowner has no way of knowing what insects and small animals might be nesting in the gutters.
5. The next step is to flush the gutter system with a hose and spray attachment to further clean them and make sure the water is draining correctly. If this seems like too much work while on a ladder, consider hiring a gutter cleaning company. They have all the latest equipment and will do the job faster and with no danger of injury to anyone.