Tip #1: “Clean Ya Gutters!”
While it often might feel like a tedious task, cleaning your gutters is one of the simplest tasks you can perform to keep your home in tip-top shape and save thousands of dollars in future repairs.
Why Clean My Gutters?
Prevents Water Damage— Gutters are designed to channel rainwater away from the integral parts of your home’s structure. This includes, the homes foundation, walls, and the roof. When gutters become clogged with debris, leaves or other obstructions, water can overflow and seep into these areas of your home. Overtime, this can cause extreme water damage and can even damage the structural integrity of your home.
Prevents Damage to Your Landscaping—Clogged gutters can result in water overflowing and running down to your landscaping. Excessive water can erode soil, damage plants, and create unsightly pools or muddy areas. By keeping your gutters clean, you ensure that rainwater is properly directed away from your landscape, preserving its beauty and minimizing the need for landscaping repairs.
Pest Control— Clogged gutters can become a breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes, birds, rodents, and insects. These unwanted guests can not only cause annoyance but also pose health risks and potentially damage your home. By ensuring clean gutters, you eliminate their potential nesting spots and discourage their presence, contributing to a pest-free environment and protecting your property from potential harm.
Money Saver— Perhaps most important of all, cleaning your gutters can save you thousands of dollars in future repairs. For example, damage to a homes foundation can lead to repairs that cost anywhere from $10,000-$50,000 depending on the extent of the damage. The same can be said about damage to a homes walls. Wall repairs from water damage can range from $3,000-$15,000 depending on the extent of the damage. In short, clean your gutters and save thousands of dollars.
How to Clean Your Gutters
Gather your materials— Ideally, you'll need a sturdy ladder, a trowel or scoop, a bucket or garbage bags, a garden hose with a spray nozzle, and a gutter cleaning brush or brush attachment for your vacuum cleaner. If you don’t have access to any of the mentioned materials, feel free to use whatever replacements you feel suitable.
Remove Debris: Carefully climb the ladder and use the trowel or scoop to remove any large debris, such as leaves, twigs, or branches. Place the debris into a bucket or garbage bag for easy disposal later.
Clear the downspouts: Check the downspouts for clogs. You can use a plumber's snake or a hose with high pressure to clear any blockages. If the clog persists, consider disassembling the downspout for a more thorough cleaning.
Rinse the gutters: Once the larger debris is removed, use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to flush out any remaining dirt or small particles. Start from one end of the gutter and work your way to the other, ensuring the water flows freely.
In conclusion, taking a do-it-yourself approach to gutter cleaning not only allows you to maintain the functionality and integrity of your home's gutters but also provides you with the opportunity to save money in the long run. By investing some time and effort into regular gutter cleaning, you can prevent costly repairs associated with water damage, foundation issues, landscaping damage, and basement flooding. Additionally, extending the lifespan of your gutters through proper maintenance helps you avoid premature replacements. Remember, while DIY gutter cleaning can be a rewarding and cost-effective task, it's essential to prioritize safety and consult professionals for more complex gutter problems. So, grab those gloves, climb that ladder, and give your gutters the attention they deserve. Your home will thank you, and your wallet will appreciate the savings.
Click here to watch a short tutorial!