Gutters are shallow troughs that are fixed under the edge of a building’s roof to allow for the harvesting of rain water. Gutters are an important part of buildings as they ensure there is controlled drainage of rain water although they are probably the most neglected part of your home. Many people tend to forget to clean their gutters frequently as they consider it less important compared to other aspects of home cleaning. At the onset of spring, gutter cleaning should be one of the outdoor chores that you should plan to perform as a homeowner. Cleaning your gutter in spring is necessary because during this season tree shed their leaves and flowers. When the trees are located near your house, the flowers, and leaves fall on your roof and end up in the gutters. During the winter, ice, and snow accumulates on the rooftop making the cleaning exercise difficult.
Gutter cleaning is an important aspect of general home cleaning. Have you been wondering if gutter cleaning is necessary? Below is a list of benefits of ensuring you clean your gutter regularly:
Protects your home from water damage. Water damage can reduce the durability of your home. Repairing a home that has been damaged by water can be expensive especially when the damages are severe. When your gutter system functions properly, it will protect your home from water damages that might result from improper drainage of rain water.
Minimizes the need for gutter repair and replacement. When you do not maintain your gutters through regular cleaning, they are likely to be damaged. Damaged gutter system will need to be replaced and this can be costly. When you examine and clean your gutter system regularly, their lifespan is extended hence no need for regular repairs or replacement. This will help you save cash that would have been used for repairs and replacement.
Prevents gutter clogging. Gutter clogging can really reduce the efficiency of your gutter drainage system. Conducting a regular gutter cleaning exercise can help you to keep your gutters free of clogs. This will ensure that harvesting of the rainwater and the home’s gutter drainage system is in good state.
Steps in cleaning your gutter in spring:
1. Remove the loose debris.
You can start your cleaning exercise by removing the loose debris on your rooftop. You can use a narrow gutter scoop to remove the debris through the drain outlet. The debris can then be collected on a plastic bucket and then disposed later. When removing the debris, you must be careful not to damage the drainage pipes and the gutters themselves. To ensure that you get rid of all the debris, you should consider flushing the gutters with high pressure water from a hose pipe. This helps to get rid of debris that might be hidden in the gutter system.
2. Blasting of blocked gutters.
If your gutters are blocked, you can use an on-off high –pressure hose nozzle attached to a water hose pipe. Blasting out your gutters can be a dirty job hence you might need to use an overall and gloves when working on them. This will protect you from the dirt that will splash. You can then wash the dirt off the gutters through the drain outlet. Do not splatter the mad as the cleaning exercise can be tedious but instead collect it on a plastic bucket.
3. Unblock the drainage pipes.
The drainage pipes ensure that the gutter system functions properly. When you do not clean your gutter system for long, the collected debris on gutters can move down the drainage pipes. This will block the drainage pipes and you will need to use a plumber’s auger to unblock them. You must ensure that all the drainage pipes are unblocked and in good condition. This helps in reducing the chances of tear and wear of the drainage pipes.
A regularly cleaned gutter system is durable and efficient. You should consider inspecting and cleaning your gutter system during spring and autumn. Always when cleaning you gutter system, ensure that the inclination of the gutters is adjusted to allow water flow. You can run water through your gutter system after every cleaning session to ensure that they are in good condition.
Links
http://money.cnn.com/gallery/technology/2013/01/14/help-robots/index.html
http://www.nytimes.com/1989/10/22/nyregion/home-clinic-gutter-cleaning-and-repair.html
