Gutters protect your home’s exterior from water damage, basement flooding, cracks in the foundation, and even pest infestations. Especially if you didn’t get around to it in the fall, gutter cleaning in spring helps you see the effects of winter on your gutters and gives you time to make repairs before summer arrives (and you have better things to do).
Reasons spring gutter cleaning is Important.
Reasons spring gutter cleaning is important include:
- Prevent water damage – Standing water in gutter channels wears away seams, promotes blockages, and causes overflowing
- Prevent structural issues – Clogged gutters, in addition to adding weight to the roofing system, do not drain water efficiently, allowing moisture to get into soffit and fascia, potentially causing wood rot and structural failure
- Prevent soil erosion – When water from the gutter system lands on the ground (where it shouldn’t), it erodes the soil around the foundation and exposes the roots of plants and shrubs
- Prevent roof deterioration – Rain runs down the roof into the gutters; if it doesn’t reach the downspouts, water can pool on the roof resulting in leaks, cracked shingles, and deck problems
What tools and supplies will you need to get the job done?
Before cleaning the gutters, gather together everything you will need. Typical tools and supplies include:
- A sturdy ladder the right height for your home
- Work gloves and safety goggles
- Bucket or trash bags
- Plastic gutter scoop (better for aluminum gutters than a metal trowel)
- Garden hose with a pistol grip
- A mild liquid detergent, eco-friendly cleaning solution, clean rags, and a soft bristled brush to remove stubborn stains
Place the ladder on even ground and use ladder-safety protocols to prevent accidents.
Remove leaves and debris from the gutter system.
Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from the gutter channels with a gutter scoop and put it in a bucket or trash bag. It might seem faster just to drop in on the ground, but that actually will make more work for you. Use a solution of warm water and mild liquid detergent or an eco-friendly cleaning solution to eliminate stubborn stains.
Check the downspouts for clogs. Remove debris from gutter outlets with a gutter scoop and blockages from inside the downpipes with a plumber’s auger.
Rinse the inside of the gutters to get rid of any residual silt and grunge. Flush the downspouts to ensure that nothing has been left behind that can form more blockages.
Inspect the gutters and downspouts.
After cleaning the gutter system and before you put the ladder away, inspect the gutters and downspouts for damage. Make the necessary repairs as soon as you can. You will be looking for:
- Cracks
- Pinholes
- Rust (aluminum gutters)
- Faded colour (vinyl gutters)
- Loose fasteners
- Missing hardware
- Sections pulling away from the fascia
Spring gutter cleaning is a cost-effective way to keep your gutters functioning efficiently, extend their lifespan, and increase the curb appeal and value of your home.
