Gutters are probably one of the most overlooked exterior parts of your home. But if you’re going to take a closer look, it’s a vital part of your roof maintenance. Gutters funnel off rainwater from your roof to avoid soil erosion, which can compromise the integrity of your home. Moreover, they can also prevent excessive water and mud from splashing all over your house, and even mould buildup. And the reason why mosquitos and other pesky insects can’t seep into your interior is just probably because of your gutters. Now that you know what it does for you, have you done some gutter cleaning to maintain it?
Importance of Gutter Cleaning
Can you remember the last time you checked your gutters? If you have no idea at all, now is the time to make a change. Gutter cleaning is more than a part of your roof maintenance. It’s crucial to the foundation of your home. With clean and well-maintained gutters, you can make sure that your property remains solid and intact.
But, how about if it’s raining? Can you still clean your gutters during the rainy season? If you have the same question in mind, you’re in the right place. Before anything else, here’s a gutter cleaning guide that you can do at home.
Empty the Gutter
For starters, you have to scoop out all the dirt and debris in your gutter. Of course, it wouldn’t be possible without the right safety tools and equipment. Get a ladder and make sure it’s safely secure on a flat surface. Make sure that the area is clear from any objects that are not necessary. Then, make sure the gutter is actually within your reach. It’s not advisable to clean it while standing on top of your roof.
And then, get a small bucket where you can put all the debris and another one for your other tools. It’s best if you can attach it to a hook, so you can link it to the ladder, as well.
Emptying the gutter can be easy. You can use a small trowel or a certain scoop. For your convenience, you can scrape off gutter debris when they’re partly damp. Too wet or too dry will become a drag for you. Once you scooped them out, put them inside the bucket.
Splash Some Water
If you have a water hose at home, you can use it for this step. It’s best if you have a pressure nozzle that you can attach to it for precise application. Start splashing some water on the length of the gutter going to the drain outlet and the downpipe (if you have any). The thing is, it can be easier said than done. It can be a little bit tricky for first-timers. So, be careful not to scatter mud and debris everywhere. For soiled dirt, you can use a thick scrub brush, just in case flushing it out barely works.
Did you see that the downpipe is clogged? You should take a look at the drain end. Remove it if it’s installed from the underground. Attach the hose and turn on the water to clean all the blockages. Once it’s done, you can reattach it and wash off the gutter.
Reposition the Slope
Gutter cleaning is not all about scooping all the damp dirt and debris that cause the blockage. As time goes by, your gutter itself shifts to a different position too. So during the rainy season, take time to adjust it. This will avoid the water from flowing down to the downspouts. In case they’re barely draining, readjust its position at a slope of ¼ inch for every 3 metres.
Spot Some Leaks
Keep in mind that gutter cleaning comes hand-in-hand with maintenance. So before you go step down from your ladder, you should look for some leaks. For reference, you can take a look at the holes of your gutters and along the seams with caulking. If the main culprit is the latter, it’s best to scrape the caulking off and wait until it gets dry for a new sealing.
Think About Replacing Your Gutters
After a thorough cleaning, examine how your gutters look up-close and at a distance. If you see that most of the paint has chipped off or the rust has eaten up some parts of your gutter, it’s time to consider a replacement. This is reasonable if you haven’t cleaned or maintained your gutters regularly. A replacement will become the best solution instead of spending more time scraping off the paint and repainting it with a new color.
Is it Safe to Clean Your Gutters After Raining?
This question might have struck you. Is weather a concern at all? Of course, it’s best to clean your gutters during daylight. Specifically, do it during the spring and autumn season. This will help you prepare for the upcoming changing seasons.
You’ll only be extra careful during these circumstances: cold, windy, and heavy rain.
High winds are a factor to consider. Although it doesn’t specifically indicate the weather of the day, it’s still important to be extra careful during these times. This can make them work harder for you since you’re working from a ladder. With this kind of cleaning and maintenance jobs, safety is a must.
Lastly, let’s talk about rain. As a homeowner, it’s not advisable to clean your gutters on your own. If your scheduled cleaning routine happens to be a rainy day, you can simply seek help from skilled professionals to do the work for you. But if you’re going to do it on your own, it’s not advisable. Safety hazards such as slipping and falling might happen. You should wait for two to three days just to let the dirt and debris become damp for your convenience. This will make gutter cleaning easier and more efficient.
Best Gutter Cleaning Service in Brisbane
Cleaning your home’s exterior during the rainy season can become more challenging and even risky. So if you don’t have time and the right tools to clean and maintain your gutters regularly, it’s best to reach out to the pros. Let House Washing Experts do the job for you! At House Washing Experts, our goal is to keep you safe and protected under the wet season. We have a skilled team equipped with top-quality cleaning tools best for gutter cleaning services. If you’re residing in the greater Brisbane area, get in touch with us at 1300 927 433, and we’ll give you a free customised quote!