When people think of gutter cleaning, they almost always envision the task of manually scooping out the leaves and other debris from the gutters. However, in reality, gutter cleaning can be much easier than that. It just takes a little preparation to make sure the job is done correctly.
One thing to consider is that gutters should be clear of any obstacles that will prevent you from getting to them. For example, a tree branch or a building could cause the roof to drop down, causing damage to the roof and possibly the home itself. The first step in gutter cleaning is to check for any signs of damage. Look around the outside of the home and take a close look at the edges of the roof. Any leaves or other debris on the roofline or near the edge of the roof should be removed right away. Do this before climbing the ladder.
Next, take an appropriate-sized piece of rope or power cable and tie it to a hook at the top of the gutters. You should probably use a heavier-duty cable so it won’t come off when the fascia is being torn apart. Climb the ladder and remove the debris using the rope.
Now it’s time to clean up the water damage. Most gutters will have some sort of spot removal film. Take this off the gutter cleaning ladder as water damage film is usually made out of wood. After taking off the film, it’s time to get to the actual leak. Remove any tools or pieces of hardware from inside of the house and the area where the water damage is.
After your gutter cleaning task is done, fill in the hole with some new dirt. If you used a lot of wood shavings then it may be necessary to buy more sand to fill the hole up. Use a level to make sure the new dirt is even all the way around. Be sure to add enough sand so the soil won’t compact on top of the sand.
You can also use a power washer to clean up the dirt from the top to bottom of the gutters and anywhere else that you might need to clean. Just be sure not to spray the water on the sides or the bottom of the home. If you are going to do a truck-mounted gutter cleaning then the truck-mounted unit will fit inside the gutter. It is very convenient and takes up very little space because it is a self-contained unit.
You may also want to consider getting a power washer to clean the sides of the clogged gutters off of the roof. The bottom of the screen can be easily cleaned by using a power washer and some water mixed with soap. It’s important to use the right type of detergent and water to ensure that you don’t damage the screens. You don’t want them to crack or break once they are cleaned. This may cause a safety issue when you have a wet, soggy, slippery roof.
If you are unsure about how to remove the clogged gutters, a professional will probably be able to give you some tips on how to do it. Many times the problem may be with the fascia boards that hold up the roof. It is important that the boards are properly sealed and checked frequently for cracks and deterioration. It may be a good idea to replace the fascia boards at least every five years because they are one of the biggest things holding down the gutter. Clogged gutters can cause your gutters to be ineffective and even cause damage to the roof.
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