How to properly clean roof gutters to avoid water damage
Roof gutters are a huge help in diverting rain water in one area. It however can be a huge problem if it is not periodically maintained.
TheSpruce.com came up with a comprehensive guide in cleaning out roof gutters. In their guide they mentioned that the cleaning up of gutters with damp content will require a different cleaning method compared to cleaning up a gutter with dried debris.
“With your method of leaf collection established from the previous two sections, it’s now time for the fun part. Cleaning the gutters! You can use any number of things to scoop the contents out of a gutter. You can fabricate your own scooper from a plastic jug with a handle but assuming you’re not into making your own tools, you can just use a trowel or garden spade. You can even use old kitchen tools like a spatula.”
The whole guide can be found here.
Cleaning roof gutter and downspouts
Hometips.com also came up with an easy to follow guide on cleaning out roof gutters and downspouts. In their write-up, they emphasized that not undertaking regular maintenance clean-up for gutters can cost a lot in terms of damaging the roof and the home structure as well.
“If you’re comfortable working from the rooftop and your roof has a very low pitch, this can be easier than working from a ladder. But only do this under extremely safe conditions. Never work on the roof in wet, icy, or windy conditions. Wear non-slip shoes, and never lean over the edge or work near power lines. When cleaning gutters, wear heavy work gloves to protect your hands since gutters often have sharp metal parts or screw points sticking out into their troughs. Also wear safety glasses or goggles. In some situations, it’s helpful to have a bucket for collecting debris and a drop cloth for protecting areas beneath the gutter.”
Check out the rest of the guide here.
What happens when it is not cleaned out?
The Art of Manliness also published a guide on clearing out and maintaining downspouts and gutters. In its web article it mentioned the consequences of not cleaning out the gutters.
“Not doing it regularly, though, can spell trouble for your home. If the gutters are too full, water can actually damage the roofing and the fascia (the boards behind the gutters, rather than the tough tissue in the human body). Overfull gutters can spell trouble below deck as well, as water pouring over the gutters versus going cleanly down the spouts can mean water getting to your foundation, and possibly into your basement and crawlspace. The torrents can also do a number on your garden beds if they’re right under the gutters.”
Take a look at the rest of the feature write-up here.
Regularly cleaning roof gutters is a good way to help prevent roof damage that will in turn cause water damage.
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