09/30/2016
Maintaining your gutter system is not an option, it is mandatory. Gutters protect your roof, siding and even the foundation from water damage that can lead to cracks in the foundation and rotting wood around the gutters and siding. If you have not opted for gutter screens in Worcester, Mass. yet, and are still doing things the hard way, here are some tips for cleaning the gutters yourself.
Safety First
Choose a sturdy ladder that you are comfortable working on and set it up on level ground. Bring a garden trowel or other scooping tool and a bucket to hold debris. Wear sturdy work gloves to protect your hands from any metal pieces or sharp edges.
Scoop debris from the gutters beginning near a drain outlet and scoop away from the outlet. To avoid having to scrape dried-on debris, do this job a day or two after a storm, when the debris is still pliable,
Use a hose with a high-pressure nozzle and spray the length of the gutter, working toward the drain outlet. If needed, use a scrub brush to help remove dirt.
If you see that the water is not draining freely down the drain pipes, use the hose to flush out the pipes. If they are still clogged, try a plumbers snake to pull out the blockage from the bottom.
Regular Maintenance or Long-lasting Solutions
Cleaning and maintenance should be done about twice a year, more often if you notice leaks or have a big storm that clogs your gutters. If you feel unable to tackle this job yourself, you can usually enlist a local handyman to help.
Or, you can avoid this dangerous, backbreaking chore and save the expense of hiring someone to do it for you by installing gutter screens in Worcester, Mass. Screens and gutter guards offer homeowners great benefits by protecting their investment for the long-term while looking great, too.
