The gutters in your house are starting to overflow, so it’s time to clean the gutters in your house. Many homeowners do this project every year to properly maintain their homes. What you may not know is that most gutter systems need to be cleaned 3-4 times a year in every season. You may be wondering why I need to clean my gutters so often. The reason is that each season trees go through several cycles that can clog gutters.
In spring, most trees shed seedlings and dead branches. Spring is also the best time to inspect gutters for damage that may have occurred during winter snow.
In summer, trees lose leaves due to heavy storms and strong winds. In early fall, you should remove any fallen leaves early to keep your gutters flowing freely. In the late fall or early winter, you’ll want to make sure everything has been properly cleaned out of the gutter system to help prevent ice dams in the gutters. The added weight of frozen water in the gutters can easily cause them to separate from the fascia and, in many cases, fall off the house. Improper gutter maintenance will lead to clogged or damaged gutters and can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home’s foundation, exterior trim, and basements.
To clean gutters properly, rent a sturdy ladder and have a neighbor help you. Stairs can be rented at most local rental centers for as little as $40.00 per day. When using ladders, be sure to stay away from power lines, trees, and windows. It’s a good idea to use a ladder stabilizer to make sure the ladder doesn’t crush the gutters or slip while cleaning. Stair stabilizers can be purchased at most hardware stores for around $30.00. Remember that your safety is more important than clean gutters, so make sure you have someone to help you. Thousands of people die each year from falls and electrocution while working on ladders.
If you have gutter screens or gutter guards, make sure they are not damaged or clogged with leaves and branches. They won’t help protect gutters if water can’t get into them properly and water can flow over them rendering them useless, even if the gutters are clean! Carefully lift the guards to avoid damaging them and remove any leaves or debris from under them, then reinstall them properly. You should run water over them to make sure they work properly. Check your downspouts to see if they have screens on top and clean those too. If necessary, use a hose to clear badly clogged downspouts and be sure to replace any damaged gutters or downspout screens. As you clean your gutters, inspect them to make sure the fasteners are secure. This can usually be done with a hammer or, in some cases, a screwdriver.
Over time, the spikes that hold the aluminum to the faceplate may have loosened. Push loose nails back into place or replace them with longer ones to improve support. When the gutters are loose, the step is changed and the water overflows in the low areas. Since you’re enlisting the help of your neighbor, this is also the perfect time to inspect your roof for missing shingles, broken vent pipe joints, or bare nails. Be sure to return the favor and help him around his house when you’re done.
If you have any questions about gutter maintenance, gutter protection systems, or would like to hire a professional to clean your home’s gutters, please contact Henry’s Housework at 301-353-9287. For more information on gutter cleaning, protection systems, or other services, see our website at http://www.henryshousework.com . We also offer a newsletter through our website with maintenance tips, reminders and discounts on our services each month.
henry bockman
President, Henry’s Housework Inc.
MHIC#65039 Licensed, bonded and insured.
301 353 9287