The job of a gutter is to direct rainwater away from your home’s foundation. Without them, water from your roof will pour directly onto your foundation. Making sure that your gutters are clean will protect your foundation, driveway, and sidewalk from water pooling and can help prevent soil erosion. Soil erosion can cause water to puddle, causing your foundation to settle, leading to cracks. Want to keep your gutters clean but don’t know how to clean your gutters? Or don’t know how to keep pine needles out of your gutters? Keep reading for tips on cleaning your gutters and how often you should clean them.
How often should you clean out your gutters?
As a general idea, you should try to clean your gutters about three times a year. However, it is important to note how many trees surround your home, as well as the region you live in and how much rain you receive. These factors can all impact how often you need to clean out your gutters. A good rule of thumb is if they look full, then they need to be cleaned out. Another idea is that foliage from the fall and winter months tend to cause your gutters to clog, try to clean them during this time. If you notice that you need gutter services, call our gutter experts. LOA Construction has years of experience in installing and repairing gutters.
Below are the steps to take when manually cleaning out your gutters.
1. Ensure you have a dependable ladder to reach your gutter and make sure it is against a sturdy surface for safety. It may be wise to use a ladder stabilizer to prevent damage to your home and gutters.
2. Wear a long sleeve shirt and rubber gloves to protect yourself from any harmful item that may be in your gutter.
3. For best results, use a gutter scoop to remove the debris and dirt from the gutter. Overall, it is wise to use an item that won’t damage your gutter but will be able to clean thoroughly.
4. Once you have successfully cleared all the larger items clogging your gutters, use a hose to flush out any remaining dirt and debris from the gutter. This also allows for you to find out if your gutter has any leaks and if you need a gutter repair.