Cleaning gutters is not the most fun task for homeowners because it’s time-consuming and involves scooping nasty debris from up above while standing on a ladder. Most homeowners aren’t aware of why they should or even how to clean the gutters during fall. Read on to learn about the best way to go about it.
Gutters are an important component of your home that catches rainwater and directs it away from the structure. Leaf-clogged gutters force water to drip against the walls and foundation. Because more debris winds up in your gutters in autumn than any other time of year, it’s important to clean the gutters during fall.
Get Together Your Supplies
Homeowners will need some simple supplies in order to clean gutters properly. You’ll need:
- A ladder and someone to hold it
- A pail or tarp to hold the debris
- Rubber gloves
- A trowel
- A garden hose
How to Clean the Gutters During Fall By Hand
How to clean the gutters during the fall begins at the downspout. Clear out the debris, placing it in the pail or a tarp on the ground. When it’s all out, use the garden hose to flush the gutters and downspouts. If the downspouts are clogged, a plumbing snake will clear the obstruction. Wash the downspouts with a garden hose. Now that the downspouts are clear, you can begin scooping the dirt, leaves, and twigs from the gutters before washing them out thoroughly.
Here are some other tools that you can use to make the process quicker than doing it by hand.
Cleaning Gutters With A Power Washer
If you haven’t cleaned your gutters in a long time, dirt will probably be stuck to the gutter. Clean any leaves, twigs, and other debris from the gutters with a gloved hand. Use the attachment on the power washer to blast the gutters and downspouts clean. Be prepared to wash the roof and walls of the house afterward, because this type of washing gets messy.
Wet Dry Vac For Gutter Cleaning
If homeowners want to know how to clean the gutters during fall, then they’ll appreciate this nifty tool. A wet/dry vac serves two purposes in cleaning gutters. One, welded-on dirt will need to be flushed with water to soften it up. Two, big box stores stock long arm attachments with a curving end. Use this to clean your gutters and the hose on clogged downspouts.
Leaf Blower For Gutter Cleaning
Leaf blowers are the simplest tools to answer the problem of how to clean the gutters during fall. Aim the leaf blower to blow the leaves and other debris free of the gutters and away from the downspout. Attachments are available that allow homeowners to stand on the sidewalk and blow the leaves out of the gutter. Make sure the downspouts aren’t clogged and flush them when the gutters are clean.
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