One of the main reasons to regularly clean your gutters with a professional service is to avoid water damage, which is a leading cause of extensive structural damage to homes. To fully enjoy all the advantages of a gutter cleaning system, though, you need to make sure they’re not completely clogged with nails, twigs, leaves, or anything else. A clog will stop water from running through the gutter, and that can mean more serious problems and even leaks. Here are some of the most common types of clogs in gutters and how to know when they need to be cleaned out.
– Vecchio Says Have A Bug Wash: As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, so bug washing is a great way to avoid clogs. Most homeowners know to use a bug spray on the outside of their home. However, some insects have an even easier time entering a blocked drain pipe. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you always have a good gutter cleaning system on the inside of your home. Use a professional pest control company and they’ll be able to easily spray and wipe away whatever it is that’s causing the clog.
– Leaves And Other Debris Is A Clog You Can’t Clear: Some homeowners believe that a simple gutter cleaning won’t be enough to clear up a clogged pipe. While it’s true that a clean inside helps, there’s a lot of extra help if you also have an issue with leaves and other debris piling up on the roof. If leaves and other debris are sitting on your roof for long periods of time, they can rot and decay the wood. As a result, over time, they could potentially weaken the pipes on your roof too. This is why it’s extremely important to have your roof inspected for leaks regularly. When you catch it early, it will save you thousands down the road.
Use A Ladder To Clean Downspouts: Some people believe that the best way to clean a gutter is by using a ladder. However, using a ladder can be dangerous because you don’t always know where you’re going and what you’re stepping on. You don’t want someone falling down with you on top of you. Instead, use a step ladder or another type of gutter cleaning tool to reach down into the drain. It’s best to have the ladder leaning against the wall so you won’t have a lot of space to move.
Use A Foundation Brush: A foundation brush is another great gutter cleaning tool. These can be purchased in most home improvement stores. Just place the handle in the drainage hole and use the brush to clean the walls of the foundation. It’s important to check the bottom of the foundation brush for rocks or debris that could be causing damage to the foundation. After you’ve finished cleaning the walls, it’s time to check the rest of the exterior of the house. If there’s any debris or dirt that isn’t going away, it may be time to call a foundation repair company.
Have The Right Equipment: Now that you know how to clean gutter cleaning tools, it’s time to get down to the basics. Having the right equipment will mean the difference between success and failure. Don’t skimp on the ladder, especially if you have little or no experience doing this. It’s important to be secure when climbing up and down the ladder, and it’s also a good idea to wear safety glasses, a face mask, and gloves. Be sure to wash your hands every time you handle the tool, and have a bucket nearby to wash your hands after each use.
Repair Or Replace If Necessary: Even with the most careful of inspections, there will always be the chance that a gutter cleaning tool is not strong enough to keep out all the leaves and other debris that can cause water damage. When you notice holes in your screens or signs of leaking, it’s time to consider calling a professional to fix the problem. Leaks can be hard to detect on your own, so it’s important to find someone who knows what they’re looking for and can easily identify it. A qualified contractor will know exactly where to look for leaks and fix them, preventing water damage and costly repairs. Your basement flooding should be a thing of the past when you take preventive measures to prevent it in the first place.
Dealing With Pests Like Rats: Protecting your home from rodents like rats and ants isn’t just a good habit; it’s necessary to prevent serious damage to your foundation. In addition to protecting your property, gutter cleaning can help prevent rodents from entering your house through any cracks or crevices. Most of us don’t have a problem with rodents entering our homes, but those who do end up causing serious problems that can eventually lead to major damage to foundations and walls. A regular gutter cleaning session can go a long way toward keeping rodents out, preventing leaks, and ensuring a healthy living environment for all of your family members.