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How to clean out gutters

• Source: http://www.essortment.com/home/cleanoutgutter_spct.htm

Few homeowners relish the prospect of home maintenance, but cleaning out rain gutters is a seasonal task that helps prevent more costly repairs. By cleaning and inspecting gutters throughout the year, homeowners can minimize foundation erosion caused by rain overflow and prevent other unsightly problems.

A rain gutter’s purpose is to collect water from the roof and direct it safely away from the home’s foundation. When gutters are clogged, however, they crack and overflow, allowing water to seep into the soil immediately adjacent to the house, endangering the foundation and potentially causing indoor flooding. Furthermore, clogged gutters invite insects and other pests to take up residence. Birds, squirrels, and other small animals may nest in clogged gutters, adding feathers, fur, food, and other debris to the structure, and that excess weight hastens the gutter’s destruction. A clogged gutter also harbors a rotten smell that can infuse the house through windows and vents, lowering the home’s value.

To prevent these problems, gutters should be cleaned several times a year, though the frequency depends on the climate and landscape of the area. At the very least, cleaning gutters in the spring and fall insures that they are clear and functional during the most turbulent weather, whether it is heavy spring and summer rains or excessive winter snowfall. Gutters should also be checked after severe weather such as a thunderstorm, tornado, or hurricane to remove excessive debris. Leaves or pine needles can clog gutters easily, making frequent inspections necessary if large trees surround the home.

To clean out gutters, first insure that the ladder is sturdy. Cleaning gutters requires stretching and maneuvering to remove debris, and a shaky ladder is a safety hazard. Depending on the home’s architecture, it may be safer to clean gutters from the rooftop rather than frequently moving the ladder. Use heavy gloves to remove large debris such as branches, piles of leaves, and pine cones from accessible areas. Gloves safeguard against sharp hazards that may be hidden in the debris. If the gutters are not heavily clogged, it may be possible to remove all the debris by hand.

Next, rinse the trough thoroughly until the water runs mostly clear through each downspout. Comparing the flow from the hose to the volume through the downspout will determine if there are any hidden obstructions, severe leaks, or other problems. If necessary, a high-pressure hose can loosen clogs and remove stubborn material, but take care not to damage the roof in the process.

After the gutter is clean, inspect the length of the trough for cracks, rust patches, holes, and other maintenance concerns. Catching these problems early through annual inspections can prevent the need to replace extensive portions of the gutter system. Don’t forget to check that the gutter is firmly attached to the roof and can withstand mild shaking from wind or heavy rains.

To minimize clogs and obstructions, trim leafy branches away from the gutters. This also prevents damage from wind-tossed branches during severe storms and can lower maintenance costs in the long run. Home improvement stores offer screens and other protective covers for rain gutters that allow water to flow into the gutter but stop debris from accumulating. While these products will keep gutters from clogging, the screens still need to be periodically cleaned and inspected to insure they work properly.

With proper cleaning and maintenance, rain gutters help preserve a home’s beauty and structure for many years. Removing debris, rinsing the trough, and trimming foliage or installing protective screens to minimize debris are necessary steps when cleaning out gutters. Those small steps are part of the successful path to happy homeownership.