It’s that time of year, the weather is changing and snow is on its way. You have probably cleaned up your landscaping, and are starting to think about winterizing your home. If you have a list of things to check, clean, and maintain it should include gutters.
Cleaning out your gutters and making sure they are free of debris and small animals will help protect the foundation of your home as well as the function of your roof.
Although you can probably clean your gutters yourself, its best to leave it to the professionals with safety being the main reason.
Keep the following tips in mind if you decide to embark on the gutter quest yourself.
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- When cleaning your gutters, remember to wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. It is also recommended that you wear a good pair of gardening gloves, in case you come across anything sharp or jagged that may hurt your hands.
- Make sure to prep by creating a clean out area with a tarp and making sure you have the proper equipment including a sturdy extension ladder and a functioning hose.
- Don’t rush, once you get up there you may find it dirtier an more clogged than you anticipated so it may take a bit longer than you planned for.
- Be thorough, don’t skip any areas because it could negate your efforts and cause problems down the road.
What Happens if you Don’t Clean out Your Gutters?
It is essential to the upkeep of your house to keep your gutters clean. If not properly maintained, gutters can become clogged allowing water to spill out over them. In addition to this, if your gutters are not cleaned out before the wintertime, water and snow can freeze in your gutters causing the gutters to be weighed down and possibly fall off.
To avoid these issues, it is always good practice to clean your gutters at least once a year, preferably after the autumn leaves have fallen and before ice and snow begin to accumulate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you clean your gutters from the ground?
Yes, you can clean your gutters from the ground, but it requires specific equipment. It is recommended that you use either a garden hose that can extend to your gutters or a wet/dry vacuum with extensions. These tools give you the mobility you need to effectively clean out your gutters without having to get up on a ladder.
When is the best time to clean out your gutters?
The best time of year to clean out your gutters is late fall. At this time, most of the leaves should have fallen and inevitably collected in your gutters. It is also an ideal time because it is before the snow and ice can accumulate in your gutters. Because this can greatly weigh down your gutters, it is best to make sure there is nothing else that could clog your gutters.
If you are on the fence about whether your gutters can make it through another harsh winter, now is the time to install them.
Questions about the function or status of your gutter system or roof? Get answers and address the issues before the Michigan snow hits! Excel Home Improvement in Romulus is the contractor to call. Our exterior home improvement services include gutter installation, new siding, roof installation and more. See why we are a preferred contractor and call for a Free Estimate today!