As you are planning your house and yard maintenance for the autumn don t forget an important task.
Cleaning clogged gutters.
If you can t reach it simply disassemble the downspout and remove the clog.
Climb a sturdy ladder with the end of a garden hose in one hand.
Problems caused by clogged or broken gutters are expensive to fix but easy to prevent.
After you pull out the dry debris use the garden hose to sluice the gutters as it will help to keep the rainwater flowing smoothly.
Your ladder should be sturdy safe and large enough for the job.
If you haven t cleaned your gutters yet do this first finishing with unclogging the downspout.
Hiring someone to clean your gutters is an option if you aren t comfortable on a ladder.
In addition it will help to keep the weight off the structure of the gutter.
Gutters need to be cleaned at least twice a year in the spring and in the fall.
If you have pine trees near your home needles will need to be removed every three months to reduce the potential for clogging the gutters and downspouts.
They are a common add on or included as an option for custom built homes.
Clogged gutters can cause expensive roof wall foundation or landscaping damage.
Gutter guards also called gutter covers gutter protection or leaf guards are primarily aimed at preventing damage caused from clogged gutters and reducing the need for regular gutter cleaning.
Try to free the obstruction with a stick plumbing snake or pressure washer outfitted with a telescoping wand.
Reposition or repair the guttersupports.
This method involves scooping out the gutter and dropping the contents onto a plastic tarp or drop cloth lying on the ground below.
This method is fastest and all you have to do is move the plastic tarp along the ground with you as you move the ladder.
What to know before you clean your gutters.
It s essential to ensure they don t become clogged with fallen.
In order to unclog your gutter you will need a garden hose and gloves.
The scoop and drop method.
Water isn t draining from the downspouts water overflows from gutter and drips from joints gutters are clogged with leaves and needles as regular maintenance to keep them working properly.
You might not ever jump and up and down with excitement to clean gutters but there are ways to make it easier on.
If water flows out of the bottom carrying leaf debris with it your job is complete.
Why gutters need cleaning.