You will have to do a little cleaning to prevent your gutters from becoming clogged. You can do this by cleaning your downspouts and gutters and installing a guard.
Install a gutter guard
A gutter guard is designed to help you clean and protect your gutters. It lets the water flow smoothly into the drains and helps you avoid getting clogged up with leaves, sticks, and other debris.
You can install your gutter guard, or hire a professional to do it for you. Either way, it’s a good idea to test your existing gutters for debris before you start.
To begin, make sure you have the right tools. This includes a ladder, a hammer, a screwdriver, a circular saw, and a measuring tape.
You’ll want to measure the width and length of your existing gutters to determine what size guard you need. The gutter guard you choose should match your home’s style.
You may want to consider installing a micro-mesh type of gutter guard. These guards are made of aluminum and ideal for wet climates. Unfortunately, they’re also more expensive than other types of mesh guards.
Remove debris
When cleaning gutters, the old saying is true: “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” However, if your channels are filled with leaves and other debris, they can clog up and cause water to run into your home. This can damage your home and cause costly repairs.
To properly clean your gutters, you need to use several tools. The best tool to use is a long hose. A garden hose is a great way to flush the downspouts and is a good indicator of any gutter leaks.
A high-pressure nozzle, or jet sweeper, can also be used to clear out the gutters. Finally, you can use a ladder to do the job. But it would be best if you were careful as you climb.
To do the gutters properly, you need to remove all the debris from the downspouts. Then, make sure the downspouts are correctly aligned. They should be pointing toward the gutters and not the house.
Cleaning gutters takes time. Make sure you have the right tools, and wear the appropriate safety equipment.
Flush out downspouts and gutters
Keeping your downspouts clean will prevent flooding and water damage to your home. You should clean your downspouts twice a year, especially during spring and fall.
You can clean your downspouts using a power washer or a drill. A sewer jetter will also help you get rid of stubborn debris.
Using a leaf blower can also make downspout cleaning easier. Attach the blower to the downspout’s bottom elbow and use it to clear the clog. However, it does not work as well on wet clogs.
If you do not have access to a leaf blower, you can try using an electric drill with an auger attachment. These are usually sold at local hardware stores.
Another option is to use a plumber’s snake. This device is a long metal cable that works by turning a crank. Typically, it comes with a flat end and disk-shaped tip. The rod can pass through small-diameter elbows and transitions.
You will also need a ladder and safety gear. If you do not have access to a ladder, you can borrow or rent one. Make sure you wear thick gloves and sturdy clothing.
Prevent gutter-clogging
Keeping your gutters clean is essential to prevent clogging. Clogged downspouts can cause significant water damage to your home, including leaks and erosion of your walls. A clogged gutter can lead to mold and health problems if left unchecked.
A clogged downspout can also lead to overflowing rainwater. When a downspout is flooding, it can leak and saturate the soil around your foundation, causing cracks in the walls. This can result in rot and mold and affect your home’s value.
Clogged gutters also impede normal rainwater drainage, leading to ice dams on your roof. This can weaken your walls, creating a dangerous and unsafe situation. Luckily, a clogged downspout is easy to fix.
To prevent clogging, you can install leaf-blocking guards, mesh, or a filter. These guards allow rainwater to flow through but keep debris out. The gutters should be inspected before and after each season.
Having a clogged downspout can cause your driveway and walkways to sag. It can also cause water to seep into your roofing structure, resulting in expensive repairs.