If you don’t clean your gutters, water may back up and overflow, causing damage to your home. In the winter, this water can freeze and cause even more damage. So it’s essential to clean your gutters in the autumn before the leaves start to fall.
Gather Your Supplies to Clean Your Gutters
You will need a ladder, gloves, goggles, and a bucket to clean your gutters. You may also want to wear a hat to protect your head from falling debris and a coat to keep you warm and dry. Make sure the ladder is tall enough to reach the gutters and that it is in good condition. The ladder should have slip-resistant feet to keep you safe while climbing. Be sure to wear gloves when handling the debris in the gutters and goggles when cleaning the downspouts.
Step 1: Scoop Them Out
The first step of cleaning your gutters is climbing the ladder and scooping out debris along the length of the gutters. Climbing a ladder and removing debris may seem like an easy task, but it can be dangerous if not done correctly.
Before climbing the ladder, make sure that it is stable and in an area where you will have plenty of space to work. Once you are up on the ladder, use a scoop or bucket to remove all the debris from the gutters. Be careful not to lean too far out while doing this, as you could lose your balance and fall.
Step 2: Use a Hose to Clean Your Gutters
The next step in cleaning out the gutters is to spray them out with a garden hose. This will help remove any remaining debris from the gutters. Be sure to spray from the top down so the water can flow freely through the gutters and downspouts.
Step 3: Inspect for Damage
The third step when cleaning gutters is to inspect the condition of the gutters and look for loose or damaged areas and leaks. Checking that water flows out the downspout and away from the foundation is essential to prevent damage to your home. If you spot any issues, it’s important to address them as soon as possible to prevent them from worsening.
Cleaning your gutters at the beginning of fall is important to prevent water damage to your home. By following the simple steps in this article, you will have them clean and clear in no time.
Clarity Home Inspection provides inspection services to North and Central New Jersey. Contact us to request an appointment.