You’ve Got Work to Do: Gutter Cleaning
The fall season is upon us and it’s the perfect time to ensure your home is ready for winter. Did you know the gutters on your home are responsible for protecting your roof by removing excess water and draining it back to the ground? If there are clogged gutters, water will accumulate on the roof and cause damage. If you’ve got clogged gutters, you’ve unfortunately got work to do. Those beautiful leaves can also hold a lot of water, which in turn becomes ice, adding weight to your gutters and roof.
Your fall clean up should start at the top with the gutters, which requires setting up a tall ladder to reach. It’s not always possible to have someone holding the bottom of the ladder but it’s a good idea for safety’s sake. Also remember to not try to stretch and reach that extra foot or two to the left or right, as falling is a serious concern. Instead of dangerous reaching, you should climb all the way down and move the ladder.
Once you are situated where you can comfortably reach the gutter, begin scooping out loose debris. Gutter debris is mainly decomposed leaves and usually has a foul odor. You should wear latex gloves under your work gloves to protect your skin. Start at a drain outlet at the low end of a gutter, and use a narrow garden shovel to scoop out loose debris, working away from the drain outlet. It’s easiest to do this when the debris is slightly damp and pliable, not soggy or dried and encrusted. To minimize cleanup later, you can scoop the debris into a plastic bucket rather than throwing it down on the ground.
Next, you will have to climb back down the ladder and go back up with the garden hose. Hopefully, there is someone stationed below to turn it on when you arrive back up at your destination. Flush out gutters with a garden hose and try not to splatter mud all over your house and yourself. If necessary, use a stiff scrub brush to remove encrusted dirt.
While you’re up there, if you are not too cold and wet, try flushing the drain pipes with the hose to remove any debris. Unfortunately, the decayed leaves can sometimes be fused to the inside of the gutter system. It’ll be necessary to climb back down again and get a plumber’s snake, the type plumber’s use to clean out a nasty clog in your drain.
Don’t like heights? Are you tired from just thinking about this dirty job? There’s another option you can choose, which makes things much easier on you and leaved you home secured from the damage of clogged gutters. Look into having a gutter protection product installed to reap the benefits of clog free gutters.
LeafFilter will safeguard your roof and foundation from leaks that are sure to lead to serious damage. Imagine never having to make that trip up the ladder again to clean out your gutters. Clog free gutters are backed by a manufacturer’s lifetime, transferable warranty. Once the LeafFilter™ system is professionally installed, you’ll never have to look at the inside of your gutters again!
Rated as No.1 in the industry, LeafFilter™ guarantees clog free gutters. Nothing but water gets through a LeafFilter™ protected gutter; not leaves, pine needles, or shingle grit. LeafFilter™ is custom installed on top of your existing gutter system will not disturb your roof and shingles.
LeafFilter’s high quality and durable leaf guard will protect your home and foundation from leaks and damage. Stay off your roof by taking advantage of LeafFilter.
