1. Gutter cleaning is important
Gutters are much more than channels. Gutters are an important part of the well-being of your house. They help control rainwater flow and protect your roof, walls and foundation from water damage.
Blockages in gutters can also be a breeding ground of pests, such as rodents, insects and mould, which pose serious health risks. Regular gutter cleaning isn’t just about maintaining your home, but also about protecting your investment. It’s also about ensuring the safety of your family.
2. How often should I clean my gutters?
Experts recommend that you clean your gutters twice a year, once in the late spring and then again in the early fall. The frequency of cleaning depends on how many trees surround your home and what climate you live in.
You may need to clean gutters more often if your house is located under deciduous trees which shed their leaves at different times of the year. Homes in areas that are prone to severe storms or with pine trees, which shed leaves all year round, may also require more frequent cleaning.
3. What safety precautions should be taken?
When it comes to cleaning gutters, safety should always be a priority. Tell someone your plan to clean the gutters so that they can keep an eye on you. Wear protective gear such as gloves and non-slip shoes to protect you from bacteria and sharp debris. Safety glasses will shield your eyes against dirt particles.
Use a sturdy ladder that is firmly placed. Avoid leaning over the edge of the ladder and maintain three points contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one finger). To avoid an electric shock, make sure that any electrical equipment you use outdoors is suitable. Slow and steady work is the key to safety.
4. Do I need a ladder to clean my gutter?
A ladder is usually required for gutter cleaning. Select a ladder that is sturdy and safe. Preferably, it should have a shelf for a bucket to collect debris. For a one-story house, a four-legged ladder will do. An extendable ladder would be better for two-story houses or higher.
For added safety, secure the ladder’s top with a stand-off or ladder stabilizer. Do not place the ladder in an uneven area or against a gutter or roof part. This can cause damage and instability. Ladders must be used with care. Never overextend yourself on a ladder.
5. Can I walk on my roof to clean my gutters?
It is not recommended to walk on your roof to clean gutters due to the danger of falling and damage to roofing materials. When planning your approach, you should consider safety factors. For example, if the roof is steep, this could be a dangerous situation. Consider the weather forecast. Wet and windy conditions can affect your safety, whether you decide to walk on your roof or use your ladder.
If you are confident in your safety and your home has a one-story flat roof with a non-slip surface and you have a house that is only one story, this may be an option. Wear footwear that has good traction. Your safety is the most important thing. You can always use alternative methods or hire a professional if you are unsure.
6. How to clean gutters from the ground
For those who are uncomfortable at heights or with ladders, cleaning gutters from the floor can be a good option. This can be done with special tools such as a leaf-blower attachment, a pressure-washer extension or a telescopic tool.
These tools have a long handle and a curved tip that fits into the gutter. Remember that these tools can be used to remove loose debris but that stubborn or compacted materials may require a more hands-on method.
7. Gutter cleaning: Step-by-Step
Gutter cleaning is more than simply removing debris from the gutter. We’ll walk you through the steps, starting at the top of the roof and working down.
First Clean the Roof
It is important to first clean the roof before you start on your gutters. Your roof could have accumulated debris over time such as dirt, leaves, twigs and other items. If you don’t clean it, these can clog your gutters. Remove any loose debris from the roof using a roof brush or Leaf Blower depending on the amount and type of debris.
Wear non-slip footwear and use a ladder that is sturdy to support yourself while you’re on the roof. You can prevent more debris from washing down your gutters after you have cleaned them by thoroughly cleaning the roof.
Remove Gutter Debris with Hand
After the roof has been cleared, you can start cleaning your gutters. Start by putting on a pair thick gardening gloves, and then using your hands to remove large pieces of debris such as leaves and twigs. You can put these in a bucket, or a garbage bag you have attached to the ladder. This will prevent a mess from being made below.
A leaf blower, such as the 125B, can be used to clear gutters in hard-to reach areas. A pressure washer, such as the PW 240, or a pipe unblocker can be used to clear blocked downpipes.
Choose a Cleaning Solution
Use a homemade solution of warm water with mild detergent or gutter cleaning solution after you have removed the larger debris to break down any smaller and stubborn debris.
You can use this solution to gently scrub the inner surface of gutters. Avoid harsh chemicals, which can damage gutters or plants nearby, and pose environmental issues.
Use the correct Nozzles and an Angled Spray Lance
You can use a garden sprayer equipped with an angle spray lance to thoroughly rinse your gutters after cleaning. You can direct the water flow to the downspout by using the angle of the lance.
Use the right nozzle to ensure a constant, controlled flow of water. Avoid using high-pressure nozzles, which could damage gutters inadvertently. Use a rotating brush that is soft, such as the Rotating Brush Kit.
Protecting your Guttering
Gutter systems are built to withstand the elements and be durable, but they can be damaged if they are not treated with care. Avoid using excessive force or harsh tools during the cleaning process. This could cause cracks or dent the gutter. Use soft-bristled cloths or brushes to remove stubborn grime or mildew.
It may be tempting, but do not pull or yank at a particularly dirty section of gutter. If you pull on the gutter, it can cause the gutter to be misaligned or worse, it could tear the fascia off. If you have a large amount of debris or a patch of stubborn grime, soak it in a mild cleaning agent before gently scrubbing.
Cleaning the Downpipes
Start by using a garden-hose fitted with a pressure-nozzle to clean your downpipes. Install the hose at the top of the pipe and turn the water on full blast. The water pressure should be enough to flush out any minor obstructions. Prepare yourself for a mess on the other side as the water removes the debris.
You’ll have to deal with a serious blockage if the water doesn’t flow freely. You may have to disassemble the pipe to clear the obstruction. This can be done depending on how your gutter system is designed. After disassembling the gutter system, use the plumbing snake to remove the clog. Rinse the pipe with the hose again to make sure it is completely clear.
Clean the Drains
Clearing the drains is the final step of gutter cleaning. It is important to not overlook this part, which is vital for a properly functioning gutter system. The downspout drains direct all of the water that your gutters collect away from the foundation of your home. Water can overflow if these areas become blocked. If you want to avoid this, make sure that the area surrounding your downspouts drains is free of obstructions like dirt, rocks or plants.
Regularly inspect drain outlets, especially following heavy rains or storms. These can cause additional debris. A plumbing snake or auger is an effective way to clear a clog in your drains. Insert the snake carefully into the drain, and then gently push it downward to remove the blockage. After you’ve cleared the blockage, use a hose and flush out any remaining debris. You can also use a wet-vacuum like the WDC 220 in order to remove any gunk.
Fit Gutter Guards
After cleaning your gutters thoroughly, you should install gutter guards to prevent any future debris buildup. Gutter guards work as filters, allowing water to enter your gutters but keeping out most leaves, twigs and other debris. There are many types of gutter protectors on the market that can be customized to meet your needs.
- The simplicity and affordability of screen guards makes them a popular option. They are usually metal sheets with small holes to keep out larger objects while allowing rainwater through.
- Surface tension gutter guards are a good option if you want something durable. They direct the water to the gutter and guide the debris away from the roof edge.
- Fine-mesh guards are ideal for homes located in densely-forested areas. They can prevent pine needles from getting through. You can also use foam inserts that fit into your gutter and allow water to flow through while blocking debris.
When choosing gutter guards, you should keep in mind that they may reduce the amount or debris that enters the gutters but they don’t eliminate the need to clean the gutters. Even the most effective gutter guards allow for small particles to pass through. Over time, these particles can accumulate and lead to clogs. Even with gutter guards, you will still need to check your gutters regularly and clean them occasionally.
8. How much does professional gutter cleaning cost?
The cost to hire a professional Auckland gutter cleaning depends on a number of factors, including the size and height of your house, the condition of your gutters, as well as the rates that are in effect in your locality. A professional cleaning service can cost between $200 and $650. The price could range between $250 and $350 for a one-story home with 150-200 linear foot of gutters.
The cost of installing gutters on a two-story house with the same number could range between $350 and 500. The cost may be higher if your home has three stories or more, a steeper roof or if the gutters are extremely dirty. This is due to increased difficulty and risk. This might seem costly, but consider the potential cost of repairs if you gutters fail.
Remember that these are only rough estimates, and prices may vary considerably. To know the price upfront, always request an estimate prior to the start of the job. A professional will ensure that the work is completed safely and thoroughly. This can give you peace of mind, and save you time and hassle.