Gutters are an essential component of every residence.
They:
- Divert water away from the house to prevent damage.
- Prevent erosion to maintain structural integrity.
- Protect the home’s foundation for long-term stability.
- Prevent basement flooding, which is a leading cause of residential water damage.
- Help stop staining on the house’s exteriors.
- Prevent mildew and mold from growing.
With storms that bring high winds and flying debris to the area, your home’s gutters take a beating this time of year. This is why it’s so important to check and maintain your house’s gutters in the summer.
Summer gutter maintenance doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are some tips for cleaning and taking care of your gutters all summer long, so they take care of your house.
1. Gather Your Tools & Equipment
Before you get started, make sure you have the right tools and equipment for the job. This helps you avoid realizing you’re missing something when you’re already up the ladder.
Generally speaking, you’ll need the following:
- Good work gloves
- A safe and reliable ladder that reaches high enough (consider a ladder stabilizer for safety)
- A plastic scoop or trowel
- A wire brush
- A bucket or a large trash bag
- A long enough garden hose with a spray nozzle
- Safety goggles
- A mask to protect your nose and mouth from debris and dust
- A long-hand auger (optional, for downspouts)
If you have a small, portable leaf blower, that can help, too.
Your local hardware or gardening store probably sells most of what you need, if you don’t have the tools already.
2. Check for Pests
Neglected gutters are prime spots for pests looking to make a home. From small termites and ants to larger rats and mice, once you climb up that ladder, you may find nests or other signs of animal habitation.
In order to stay safe and avoid making the problem worse, we recommend calling a pest specialist. They will not only make sure the nest is removed, but they can also help you prevent them from coming back.
3. Remove Debris
Start from the area of your gutter closest to the downspouts. As the name suggests, downspouts are the parts of your gutter system that draw water down and away from your house.
If you’ve never cleaned your gutters before, or if there’s a lot of spring debris, start with the biggest solid objects first. Make sure you’re wearing your gloves to protect your hands from sharp points, bacteria, mold, and other unpleasantness.
For hard-to-reach areas or stickier debris, use your plastic scoop or trowel. These help you scrape up the inside of your gutters. Use the bucket or trash bag to hold the debris so you can dispose of it properly later. Some homeowners put a tarp on their lawn so they can simply drop debris and roll it up for disposal when they’re done.
Some debris may be so stuck on that you need a wire brush to clean it off.
After you’ve scooped and scraped as much as you can, use the hose to flush the gutter with water. Start at the end of the gutter away from the downspout. You may be able to find a specialized gutter cleaning attachment for your hose.
Now that you have a better view of your gutters, check for signs of rust, corrosion, or other damage or drainage issues so you can have them repaired as soon as possible. If you find any, you may need a professional to repair your gutters.
4. Maintain Your Downspouts
They can clog, too, and require the same care you give your gutters.
Downspouts can be flushed with the same hose and attachment you used for the gutters. You can also invest in a long handheld auger that will catch any hard-to-reach debris.
5. Check Your Gutter Alignment
Your gutters should be slightly angled toward the downspouts. This helps the water move into the downspouts and away from your house, rather than stagnating and overflowing. Standing water in gutters can invite mosquitoes in the summer or cause major corrosion.
FAQ: Summer Maintenance Tips for Gutters
Q: Why should I check my gutters in the summer?
A: Your gutters tend to be clogged by spring debris, leaves, and dirt that have fallen on your roof. Without cleaning, that debris can pile up as summer storms hit. The more debris that collects in your gutters, the greater the chances of rust, corrosion, or other damage that can be costly to fix.
Q: Should I hire a professional to clean my gutters?
A: While you can certainly clean your home’s gutters yourself, a professional has the tools and equipment needed to do a more thorough job. They’re also trained to look for signs of damage you might miss.
Q: What does professional gutter cleaning involve?
A: Most professional gutter cleaners will use high-grade, specialized tools to do the following:
- A thorough inspection of your gutters, including downspouts
- Removal of all debris
- Pressure washing
- Flushing
- Small repairs
- Properly disposing of your gutter debris
A quality gutter cleaner may even offer a no-clog warranty to give you peace of mind for a job well done.
Q: How long does a professional gutter cleaning take?
A: Depending on the size of your home and the amount of debris in your gutters, a professional cleaning can take anywhere from half an hour to several hours.
Q: How often should I clean my gutters?
A: At least twice a year. If there are a lot of trees around your house, or you’ve experienced a major storm, we recommend cleaning your gutters more often.
Get Professional Gutter Installation With Flynn Roofing
Flynn Roofing is a family-owned company that’s been working in your town since 1997. We offer professional roofing services, including gutter installation and maintenance. Count on us to install the best gutters properly, so you can enjoy peace of mind.
If you live in Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, or Suffolk Counties, we offer no-obligation, free estimates. Contact us today for all your gutter and roofing needs!