5 Easy Tips to Simplify Your Gutter Cleaning

The process of cleaning the gutter does not need to be time-consuming or difficult. Here are several useful techniques that can help to simplify the entire process of gutter cleaning:

Inspection

The preferred interval to inspect and clean the guttering is at least once or twice per year. This inspection is best to take place at the start or end of the season, so late spring and the end of autumn. Start the inspection by searching for signs of blockages in the downspouts and gutter channels. Plus, make sure to keep an eye out for potential leaks. Leaks mostly appear near rusted spots and seams. Any gutter left to leak can lead to rain water getting into the basement, which in the long-term has the potential to weaken the foundation. Plus, the water left to run down the wooden surfaces can lead to rot and ruin the paint.

Guards

A simple solution to prevent the build up of dirt and debris is to use the low-cost gutter guards. They come in a choice of designs and materials, such as the perforated vinyl and metal mesh. The vinyl type is built to easily attach to the outer side of the gutter and the mesh type is available in a roll and relies on friction fitting to secure in place.

Slope

The gutter system works best when it has a slight slope to help direct the rain water in the right direction. This slope (at around ¹⁄₂ cm) should direct the water towards the downspout. Any guttering that is entirely level may experience issues with standing water, which has the potential to cause sagging because of the extra weight.

Cleaning

The process of cleaning the guttering system can be dirty and difficult, especially for those not keen on heights. It helps to use the proper gloves to avoid sharp seams and edges on the gutter. A simple technique is to clip a mesh bag to the bottom part of the downspout to help collect the small debris that is being cleaned from the gutter channel. It can benefit to invest in a set of ladder stabilizers to make it easier to place the ladders and avoid putting full weight on the gutter. Use a trowel or your hands to scoop out the debris. Also, check for rusty areas or loose fittings.

Downspout

If the main gutter channel starts to get a lot of debris build up this can also impact the flow of the downspout. Any blockages can be cleared using a drain auger or similar. To avoid obstructions in the future, it can benefit to clip on a leaf strainer to stop most of the dirt and debris before able to reach the vertical part of the guttering.

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