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Professional Roof and Gutter Cleaning Tips
Roof and gutter cleaning might not be a glamorous job, but it’s a necessary one. Homeowners should be doing annual cleanings and regular checks of their roof and gutter. If you are on top of maintenance, you can avoid massive jobs down the road. And you will also better your chances of avoiding damage, leaks, or backups. In an emergency, these issues can create costly problems.
To help with your roof and gutter cleaning, check out our professional tips.
- Gather Tools
Ladder. A sturdy and reliable ladder will be needed to reach the gutter and roof debris. It is also recommended that a person is nearby to spot and assist while on the ladder. Also, never rest the ladder on an unstable ground. Ensuring the proper ladder setup will make a difference in preventing accidents.
Protective Clothing. Dressing for the job is important. Wear long sleeves and pants, gardening gloves, eye protection, closed-toe and rubber shoes, and perhaps a hat to stay covered from the sun. Gutter cleaning can result in stirring up piles of sticks, dirt, and decaying materials. Keep yourself safe and clean in a potentially dirty job.
Rake. A wide, plastic rake will help remove pile ups on the roof. Anything from leaves to sticks and twigs can be easily raked off the roof. This tool will make the job a lot faster than removing everything by hand.
Gutter Scoop. A trowel that is narrow enough to fit in the gutter will help get the gunk out. A plastic trowel is best because it will cause the least amount of damage to the gutter. However, metal trowels can be effective as well. Just be cautious about stretching and denting the gutter.
Garden Hose. Using a garden hose, especially one with strong pressure, will help you be an expedient gutter cleaner. The hose can also indicate whether there is a clog by noticing a water backup. At the end of the cleaning job, a good hose will clear small pieces of debris and polish the gutter and roof.
- Clear Debris
Set yourself up with the right tools and equipment. Wear your protective clothing, gather ladder, rake, trowel, and a bucket or tarp.
Set up the bucket or tarp so that the debris can be easily transferred. Using a bucket secured to your ladder is an easy way to transfer gutter gunk to throw away. A second simple method is to lay a large tarp below your work zone. Simply remove and toss debris from the gutter and down onto the tarp. Once you’ve completed the section, simply pull the corners of the tarp together to throw away the collected debris.
Use the rake to begin removing build up on the roof. Once the roof is clear, use the trowel and work your way around the gutter. Focus on small sections at a time, dig and toss the gutter gunk. Take time to not cause damage to the gutter or roof.
- Flush Gutters
Grab your hose and set it to a strong pressure. In the areas where the debris has been removed, spray the hose to clear small amounts of dirt or debris. The hose is like a final polish across the roof and gutter.
This is also an opportunity to check for any clogging. Look for water backing up at any spots along the gutter or at downspouts. If the water is pooling, there is a good chance that a clog is present. This is important to clear because that pooling water in a rainstorm, over time, can cause major damage to your home.
- Check & Clear Downspouts
Using both a visual check and a water drainage check is sufficient to maintain a clear downspout. If you notice a clog, there are a few ways to resolve it.
First try to use a strong water pressure to break the clogging material and flush it out. If that doesn’t work, a plumber’s snake is a useful tool. Insert the snake into the downspout until you feel resistance. At that point, crank and work the snake to help breakup the clogging material and push it out. Complete the downspout clearing with the hose to get every little bit out.
- Test Drainage
Once you’re satisfied with your cleaning, it’s a great idea to run a final check on the gutter system. Using your hose, run water through the gutter and check for potential issues. Things like leaks, water spillage, water backups, or water stalling can all be signs that the gutter needs more cleaning, or perhaps a repair job.
Complete a visual inspection of the gutter and roof as well. Notice any loose screws, cracks, dents, or missing parts. Take note and plan to repair or replace where necessary. The integrity of your home depends on the soundness of your roof and gutter. Small issues can create big problems down the road.
Notice any damage on your roof or gutter? Get a quote today and have our professional team repair or replace any issues with your roof or gutter.
