While we love good spring rain or Christmas snow, what we don’t love is that water making its way back into the house.
The function of your gutters is to control the flow of water from the roofline and to guide it away from the house. When this fails to happen, mildew, landscaping damage, wet basements, and a leaky roof can all occur. While gutter strain from vegetal debris, wind, and heavy rain may be unavoidable, costly repairs down the line may be averted with diligent maintenance in Fall and Spring.
No Payne Roofing is happy to help with this simple guide to keeping all the essential functions flowing. Cleaning gutters is a simple task, but like all rooftop activities, safety is a must, and helping hands are encouraged. Or, let the pros handle it!
If you’re up to the task, wait for your next sunny day, grab your ladder, put on your radio, and get on to it. This practical guide will help get everything flowing once again. Rain, rain, go away.
1. Ensure Your Ladder is Up to the Job
It’s fun to get up on the roof and see your neighbourhood, sprawling out in front of you. Before climbing up, always ensure that your ladder is set up on a stable surface, steady, and does not require you to step onto the second to last rung.
2. Assemble Your Tools
For this job, you will need work gloves, a brush, and a container for storing debris as you collect. Knee pads are optional but helpful in navigating the rough surface.
3. Clear the Gutters
With your gloves (and tools when necessary), extract the leaf and twig debris from the gutters. For compacted debris, use a gutter scoop or similar tool. Start near a downspout, and be sure to take apart and clean the strainer.
4. Flush Your Gutters
When the majority of debris has been cleared, attach a nozzle to your hose which allows you to spray with pressure. Spray down the gutters, with the stream always facing towards the downspout. Monitor for any new blockages and continue until the gutter is clear.
5. Check Your Downspouts
Blockages can sometimes occur inside your downspout, especially when the strainer is compromised. If you notice a low flow coming from your downspout, or if the quantity of water reaching the bottom is less than the water coming in, this is a sign that a blockage is occurring.
Spray directly down the spout with your hose. If this does not dislodge the blockage, a plumber’s snake may be necessary. Continue working until the water flows freely from the gutters to the downspout.
6. General Maintenance
Now that your gutters are clear, it is a good time to inspect their structure and wear. Ensure gutters are not sagging or detaching. Add supports or replace immediately if this is the case to save yourself headaches down the line.
Seal any cracks or gaps with gutter sealant. Clean any mildew with a soapy rag, and repaint where necessary. If your gutters are showing excessive signs of wear, consider a full replacement—these materials are built to last, and damage typically indicates they are reaching the end of their lifespan.
Like any exterior fixture of the home, occasional roofing maintenance is required to maximize its efficiency. While No Payne Roofing is experienced in both gutter installation and cleaning, we’re confident that with a couple of tools, you too can touch up those gutters to be as good as new. If you’re overwhelmed this Fall or Spring, consider giving us a call. We offer full servicing of roofs, gutters, and more. No ladder required!