Don’t wait until your rain gutters leak and sag from clogged debris. Preventive measures can save you a significant amount of money and avoid the headache of dealing with damage. Clogged gutters are a major reason for roof leaks and are entirely avoidable—discover 7 effective methods to prevent leaves and other debris from clogging your gutters.
Maintain Your Gutters
Properly functioning gutters and downspouts require regular maintenance to keep them clear of leaves and debris. You can either attempt this task by climbing a ladder or save time and effort by enlisting the help of a professional gutter cleaning company. You should clean your gutters at least twice yearly, although the frequency may increase if your property is surrounded by trees or frequently impacted by storms.
Tips for Efficiently Cleaning Your Gutters:
Leaf Blower or Hose
When clearing debris, opt for a leaf blower, but ensure your safety by donning protective goggles, a dust mask, and sturdy work gloves.
Gutter Trowel
To properly clean your gutters, use a garden trowel or gutter scoop to remove debris by hand. Begin at the low end of the gutter near the drain outlet for optimal results. Collect the debris in a bucket for easy disposal once you finish. It is recommended to clean gutters when leaves are slightly damp, not soggy. Additionally, use a leaf blower to clear any debris or leaves from the roof to prevent them from ending up in the gutters during the next rainfall.
Gutter Hose or Wand
Get your gutters clean swiftly and easily with these spray methods. First, attach a cleaning wand to a hose and spray the leaves out from one end to the other. This method can be done safely from the ground with eye protection being a must. If that doesn’t work, climb a ladder to see where the blockages are and flush the gutters with the hose. Try these spray methods to keep your gutters flowing clean.
Gutter Guards
One of the best ways to keep leaves out of gutters is with gutter guards. Gutter guards are designed to prevent leaves, twigs, and general debris from getting inside your gutters while still allowing water to flow freely. There are eight types of gutter guards you should be familiar with to keep your gutters clean.
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