All too often the gutters around the outside of our home gets forgotten or overlooked. However, the gutters play an important role in redirecting access water from rain and snow away from the roof and home. When the gutters get neglected they fill with leaves, dirt, and other forms of debris which weighs down the gutter and they eventually break. Clogged or broken gutters can cause a number of damages such as foundation damage, roof damage, and even damage to the siding of your home. To help prevent gutter damage or replacement costs, Big Moose Pressure Cleaning will share when you need to clean your gutters and a few basic gutter cleaning tips.
How Often Should Gutters Be Cleaned?
Many wonder how often gutters should be cleaned. That truly depends on your landscaping and what your home gutter system is exposed to. Heavy foliage, such as tall trees or leafy bushes often has leaves and branches falling into the gutter. Landscapes with a lot of dirt will find muddy clumps throughout the gutter system far more often than a yard with grass. However some of the common types of debris found in gutters are leaves, small branches, dirt and pests or bird nests. If your home is enveloped in foliage, dirt, or trees, you can expect to clean your gutters out at least twice a year. Homes exposed to a large amount of tree leaves, dirt or even house a number of birds, often need to clean their gutters out four times a year. If you’re trying to determine how often your gutters need to be cleaned, inspect them once a month for a year and mark down when they needed to be cleaned. This way, come the next year, you have an idea when you need to clean your gutters out.
Basic Gutter Cleaning Tips & Tricks
1. Placing Ladder Against Gutter & More – If you have a single story home an (A) frame or four legged ladder will do the job. However, a two story home may need an extension ladder to properly reach the gutters safely. Before using any ladder, make sure to inspect it first. Make sure it is safe for use and is in good condition. Additionally, avoid placing the ladder directly on top of the gutters. The weight can break the gutters. Also make sure the ladder is on sturdy ground before climbing it.
2. Wear Protective Gear – Make sure you wear a thick pair of gloves in case there is sharp debris or other harmful objects inside the gutters. Also wear protective eye glasses. Often garden hoses or pressure washers are used which can cause debris to fly toward the eyes. It is always a good idea to protect your eyes when doing outside chores. Lastly, wear rubber soled shoes in case you have to climb on the roof. Having good footwear on to help protect your feet and give good footing is a must.
3. Gutter Cleaning Safety – Especially for multi-storied homes, it is safer to have a second person helping you. They can help hold the ladder in place or help hand you tools and buckets as you clean the gutters. Additionally make sure you have all of the right tools for the job.
Power Washing, Pressure Cleaning & More in McDonough, Barnesville, Fayetteville, Covington, Locust Grove & Griffin Georgia
If you find you lack the time or ability to clean your home’s gutter as often as they need it, Big Moose Pressure Cleaning can help. We provide many services that can help both residential and commercial owners including gutter cleaning. Contact Big Moose Pressure Cleaning to schedule our services today!
