Gutter cleaning might not be the most exciting job, but it’s crucial to protect your home. You should do it at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. If you don’t, you risk damaging your house. Clogged gutters can cause water buildup, which can strain your gutter supports, siding, and roof, which could lead to leaks. Blocked water can also lead to expensive rot and winter ice problems.
The good news is that gutter cleaning isn’t too hard, especially if you do it regularly. Here are the things you’ll need and the steps to follow to get rid of the debris and keep your gutters clean.
Gutter Cleaning Tips
What You’ll Need:
- Ladder
- Toolbelt
- Safety glasses
- Waterproof gloves
- Waste bucket, garbage bags, or a tarp
- Garden hose
- Hand shovel
- Gutter sealant
- Drain snake
- Pressure washer
Step 1: Set up your ladder.
Make sure to follow safety rules when placing and using your ladder. Ensure you can reach the gutter comfortably while keeping a secure footing. You may want to use a ladder accessory or a standoff to avoid causing gutter damage. Also, use a ladder hook to hang a garbage bag or a waste bucket close to where where you’re working.
Step 2: Get your safety gear.
Before you begin gutter cleaning, ensure you’re wearing the right attire for safety, just like your local handyman. Put on safety glasses, gloves, and long sleeves to shield your eyes, hands, and arms from debris. Utilize a toolbelt to securely carry a hand shovel. Once you’ve got your tools and safety gear in place, start ascending the ladder.
Step 3: Clear the debris from the gutter.
If you’ve got gutter guards, you should either take them off or adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines to lift them while you’re cleaning. Begin at the downspout, and with your gloved hands, remove significant debris like sticks and tree bark from the gutter. For the remaining dirt and debris, utilize a hand shovel to scoop it out.
If you’re using garbage bags, you can fill them and lower them to the ground for later disposal. Alternatively, you can lay tarps on the ground near the house’s edge, remove gutter debris, and drop it onto the tarp. Most of the material removed from gutters can be composted.
Step 4: Rinse the gutters.
After removing the debris, rinse the gutter with a hose, directing the water towards the downspout to dislodge any dirt from the bottom of the gutter. Keep in mind that you can always hire a handyman in Conway SC who can do this for you.
Step 5: Check the downspout.
Make certain that water moves smoothly through the downspout without any obstructions. If you notice any debris blocking the downspouts, employ the hose to spray water into the downspout and eliminate the blockage. If this doesn’t resolve the issue and the downspout stays clogged, you can resort to using a drain snake or a pressure washer to dislodge the debris.
Step 6: Repeat the process for the rest of the gutters.
Climb down the ladder and move it to the next section of the gutter. Empty the waste container as needed. Continue in sections until all debris is removed, and water flows through the downspouts smoothly.
Step 7: Check for leaks and do gutter repairs.
When you’re gutter cleaning, keep an eye out for any leaks in the gutters. When rinsing the gutters with water, inspect for leaks that need patching. Use gutter sealant to fix them if necessary, making sure the gutters are completely dry before doing this.
Be sure to check for any gutter components that have become detached from your house. If you find rusty parts, it might be time to replace them. After your gutters are free from debris, think about adding gutter guards to stop big debris from piling up.
Call Handyman Conway now and let our team take care of your home improvement, repairs, and maintenance needs.
Like our Facebook page for more information about our professional services.
Handyman Conway
Conway, SC 29526
843-353-6154
info@handymanconway.com
http://handymanconway.com/
Areas Served: Conway, Aynor, Carolina Forest, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach