3 Ways to Clean Gutters and Downspouts

How often do you give attention to one of the most vital parts of your home’s exterior? Keep your gutters and downspouts clear to prevent water damage and foundation problems. Here are 3 easy steps you can do:

Use a power washer
Has it been a long while since you last cleaned your gutters? A layer of dirt and debris may have built up over time. Blast it away with the fine-spray nozzle of your power washer. (This type of cleaning can get messy; be prepared to rinse the roof and exterior walls afterward.) For clogged downspouts in particular, there’s no better recourse than a power washer. Simply point the nozzle down the hole and rinse the shaft until water can run freely through it. Source: BobVila

Wear gloves and remove debris by hand
Scoop out leaves, muck, and dirt with your tool of choice from the gutters, but make sure you don’t reach further than an arm’s length away in the process of cleaning out the gutters. It is much better to move the ladder one more time than to risk a fall. If you are using a metal tool, be careful not to damage and scrape the bottom of the gutter.

Make sure to check for leaks as well; clogged gutters are bad, but leaky ones can be even worse, as the water might end up inside your walls. Pour a bucket of water into the gutters – this will not only allow you to check for any leaks and examine whether the water is flowing as it should, but also help to get rid of additional dirt. Source: Cleanipedia

Make a gutter bag
Take a plastic bucket and cut and bend the handle so it can be hooked over the edges of the gutters as you work. Here, you will also cut off the bottom of the bucket, creating a bottomless bucket. Now, fasten a trash bag around the bucket just under the metal handle. You can fasten it tightly with a large rubber band, duct tape or a large Velcro strap.

As you scoop dry leaves into the bucket, they will funnel down into the trash bag. This method works well with dry leaves that are bulky but light, but it will not work with heavy, wet gutter debris. Make sure not to overfill the bag so it is too heavy to easily carry down the ladder. Source: TheSpruce

Cleaning gutters and downspouts can be dangerous if you don’t have the right tools. If you’re thinking twice about going up there, it’s better to leave the task to the pros. Call us!

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8296 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4C6
(604) 360-2114

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