Cleaning/Maintaining Gutters: What You Need to Know

When was the last time you took the time to check your gutters?

Do it now before it is too late. You need to be cleaning your gutters at least a couple times a year and maybe more depending on how many trees you have. Not cleaning out gutters can cause leaks, mold, and even house damage. Here are a few practical steps you need to be taking to take care of your gutters.

 

When to clean out gutters

The most important time to clean out your gutters is right before fall to make sure that your gutters are ready for the coming leaves. Also be sure to clean your gutters when fall is coming to an end to be sure that there was no damage throughout this season. Be sure that you are cleaning out your gutters when there has been no rain the past few days. This will allow everything to clean out as well as be easier for you to clean the dry leaves.

 

How to clean out your gutters

Get a safe ladder and someone to hold it for stability to ensure that the ladder is not going anywhere. Be sure to have a bucket or a trash bag to put the leaves and leftover debris together. With your hands or gutter scoop, start near the downspout and work away from it to the other end. Once you have gotten everything out of the gutters now it is time to test them.

 

Testing Your Clean Gutters

Now that you are finished cleaning it is time to check your gutters by using your garden hose. Bring your hose up the ladder with you and start flowing water down the gutters and through the downspout. This will allow you to check for cracks and leaks as well as making sure water is coming out the downspout. If there is no water coming out the downspout you may want to use a plumber’s snake to break up the clog.

 

If you have any gutter damage or questions give the professionals at Ridgeline Construction visit our website or give us a call at (256) 325-1345. Our experts at Ridgeline would be happy to professionally install new gutters.

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