by siteadmin | Apr 10, 2020 | Gutters, Roof Cleaning, Roof Maintenance
Gutters are arguably the least interesting and certainly the least glamorous parts of a roofing project. However, they are among the most important parts. By removing rainwater from the roof and diverting it safely elsewhere, gutters provide a valuable service and give your roof a longer lifespan.
The problem with gutters arises when it’s time to perform maintenance. How do you clean gutters? More importantly, how do you clean gutters safely? Here’s a closer look at your home’s rain gutters and how you can take care of them.
Why Do You Need Gutters in Houston?
Homeowners in arid climates with little rain may not have as much of a need for rain gutters. But Houstonians do not fit the bill. Houston summers are especially well known for bringing heavy thunderstorms and downpours. It’s definitely in your best interest to install quality gutters to deflect the rain and prolong your roof’s lifespan!
Cleaning Your Gutters
Without proper gutter guards in place, your rain gutters can become clogged with leaves and other organic debris over time. Clogged gutters are unable to do their job of diverting water and thus require a thorough cleaning. If your gutters need a quick wash, find a sturdy ladder and wear protective gear like gloves and goggles to protect yourself. You never know what critters may be hiding in the gutter debris, after all. Use a special spray attachment on your garden hose and flush out as much of the gunk as possible.
Pro Tip: Try not to use a scraping tool to remove dead leaves from your gutters. You could accidentally scratch the finish and encourage rust to form, further damaging your gutters and roof.
When to Call a Professional
For many homeowners, calling in a professional to clean their gutters is a better choice than attempting to do so themselves. Experts will naturally have all the right equipment to do an excellent job and keep your gutters clean for longer. Additionally, professional roof contractors understand proper safety measures and can do their job without putting themselves or the homeowner in danger. If your rain gutters need significant work and especially if you live in a two-story home, call your local Houston roofing company for help instead of trying to take care of them yourself.
Keeping Your Gutters in Good Shape
Gutter maintenance is a tricky job and not one you should always tackle on your own. But whether you choose to go DIY or hire a professional for gutter cleaning, it’s an important job that must be handled with care to keep your roof in good shape.
Connect with us for more information on roof maintenance and repairs.
by siteadmin | Mar 27, 2020 | Gutters, Roof Cleaning, Roof Maintenance
Gutters are an important addition to your house, protecting your roof and landscaping alike from excess water damage. But as any homeowner knows, clogged gutters do no one any good and are truly a pain to clean. Letting them fill up with leaves and debris prevents free water flow, but trying to remove those leaves is a chore. How can you handle it?
Cleaning Gutters & Downspouts Safely in Spring, Texas
The most obvious concern when cleaning gutters is safety. After that, you’re probably wondering how to scoop out all the debris and what supplies you’ll need. Here are several important factors to consider as you prepare to clean out your gutter system:
- Protect your hands and eyes
- Use a sturdy ladder
- Find the correct equipment
- Clean the roof and downspouts
- Take preventive measures
1) Protect Your Hands & Eyes
Simply put, you have no idea what’s hiding in those dirty gutters. Homeowners have experienced rats, bees, and more hiding under organic debris. And even if you escape having critters hiding in your gutters, who wants to scoop out dead leaves and stagnant water with their bare hands? Play it safe and protect yourself from whatever might be in those gutters.
2) Use a Sturdy Ladder
This should go without saying. A strong, sturdy ladder, ideally with a friend holding it at the bottom, is essential to a safe cleaning job. Use a new ladder and find a strong place on the ground to balance it while you work. And if possible, use a metal ladder rather than a wooden one. Wooden ladders tend to be less stable than their metal counterparts.
3) Find the Correct Equipment
Use a gutter scoop to remove debris, rather than scooping out the blockage with your hands. This streamlines the process and makes things more pleasant for you. Once you’ve removed the worst of the debris, use a trigger spray attachment on your garden hose to remove any remaining pieces and clean the gutters more thoroughly.
4) Clean the Roof & Downspouts
Freshly cleaned gutters won’t do much good if the downspouts are clogged too or the roof is covered in leaves that the next rainstorm will wash down. Spray down the roof and flush your downspouts with the hose to remove any and all potential blockage. This will ensure that rainwater cannot pile up on your roof again.
Pro Tip: Don’t walk on the roof during a gutter cleaning session! The roof will be slick from the garden hose and dangerous to walk on. Stay on the ladder while you work.
5) Take Preventive Measures
Finally, don’t let your gutters get too clogged up. Plan on cleaning your rain gutters at least twice a year, more often if you live in an area prone to falling leaves. A few minutes of work could save you a lot of trouble later on.
Keeping Your Spring, TX. Roof in Good Shape
Cleaning gutters is no one’s favorite chore and must be done with care. However, the payoff of a clean, solid roof is absolutely worth it. Make sure to check your gutters periodically and clean them clear to prevent costly damage later on.
Connect with us to schedule your free roof inspection today!
