Gutters are a critical part of your home's drainage system. They help prevent water from damaging your roof, siding and foundation and can minimize soil erosion in your landscaping. When gutters are clean, rainwater and snow melt flow freely and are directed away from your property.
When gutters are clogged, however, it becomes difficult for water to properly drain. This can result in a number of problems, including the potential for leaks. In addition, clogged gutters are an attractive nesting place for rodents, insects and even snakes.
Most homeowners prefer hiring a professional gutter cleaning service such as Gutter Cleaning Frederick MD. This is mostly either because they don't have time or their confidence and experience are not that enough to start the task. Cleaning your gutters doesn't have to be a complicated or time-consuming task. By utilizing the following tips, you can easily and safely keep your gutters in good working condition throughout the year.
1. Safely Access Your Gutters
Getting up on your roof to clean your gutters isn't for everyone, but it can be done safely if you're willing to put in the effort. Make sure to use a sturdy ladder and have someone at the base of the ladder to support you as you climb.
2. Safely Scoop Debris Out of Your Gutters
Teetering on a telescoping ladder while trying to scoop leaves out of your gutters isn't the safest way to do the job, and it can be dangerous. To keep your safety in mind, consider a gutter scoop or an extendable pole with a brush attachment that lets you remove debris without tipping your ladder.
3. Protect Your Gutters and Exterior Trim
During the process of cleaning your gutters, be mindful of any exterior trim you might have on your home. Be sure to avoid hitting any trim with your ladder or cleaning tools.
4. Prevent Clogs from Forming
Once you've got all the leaves, sticks, and other debris out of your gutters, it's time to flush them. To prevent clogs from developing, start at the high end of your gutter and work your way down to the downspout. Once you've reached the end of the gutter, run a garden hose on full blast and check that your downspout is flowing freely.
5. Don't Allow Pests to Live in Your Gutters
Keeping your gutters free from clogs is also essential for the safety of your home. Rodents and other insects may be attracted to your clogged gutters, where they can chew into your drywall, wires, and foundation. These insects are a real health risk for your family, so it's important to keep them out of your gutters.
6. Keep Your Gutters Looking Great
Having your gutters cleaned on a regular basis will keep them looking neat and tidy, which can increase curb appeal. A well-maintained gutter system will also reduce the risk of mold and mildew buildup, which can cause damage to your home's interior and compromise air quality.
7. Save Your Plants From Drowning
During heavy rains, if your gutters are overflowing, it can drown the plants in the garden beds that sit below. This can be a serious problem for most landscape plants, such as hydrangeas, viburnum, rhododendrons and Japanese maples.
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