Cleaning out your gutters is an important task for a homeowner. It should be done at least twice a year. Gutter cleaning in Marlboro is vital to maintaining the safety of your foundation and therefore, your home. Neglecting this essential chore can cause significant damage to your roof, your foundation, and your landscaping. It is not a pleasant task and can be difficult and time-consuming. Many homeowners choose to hire a professional, experienced team to complete the task of gutter cleaning Marlboro. Hiring a pro has multiple advantages including personal safety, an inspection of your entire gutter system, and completing a more thorough cleaning than you could accomplish on your own.
If you do decide to tackle the project on your own, there’s a list of steps to follow. It is recommended to perform a gutter cleaning on a dry day as it will be easier to remove debris. However, sometimes the weather is not our friend and that is not possible. Just be sure to follow all safety precautions while you complete this project.
Steps to Clean Gutters
Safety – You will most likely be using a ladder for this task so make sure you practice ladder safety. Never stand on the top 3 rungs, ensure the ladder is set on flat, level ground, and never reach beyond the side rail. Gloves and safety glasses are also recommended. Pests can make clogged gutters their homes so you want to protect your skin and eyes from anything harmful. In addition, your gutters may have sharp edges, so choose an appropriate type of work glove.
Remove Debris – Using a scoop or gloved hands, manually remove all the dirt and debris from your gutters.
Flush Gutters – With your garden hose, spray out the gutters moving towards the downspouts. Depending on how dirty your gutters are, you may want to use a power washer. Just be sure to use a mild setting as not to damage the gutters. You also want to ensure you are not spraying water under your shingles so you may want to consider using a gutter cleaning attachment.
Check Downspouts and Remove Clogs – As you are rinsing out the gutters, make sure water is flowing freely from the downspouts. If you notice there may be a clog, you will have to address this problem. Sometimes spraying water directly up the downspout may be enough to loosen any blockages. In some instances, you may need to employ a plumber’s snake to fully remove the obstruction.
Inspect Gutter Pitch – The correct pitch of gutters is ¼ to ½ inch decline for every 20 feet of gutter. If you notice any water is remaining in any portion of your gutters, they may not be properly sloped and may need an adjustment. If you are unable to do this on your own, consider contacting a company that provides gutter cleaning in Marlboro.
Repair Damage – Inspect your gutters for any cracks or damage. Using sealant for correcting any leaks in the seams or end caps. If you notice significant damage to a large portion of the troughs, you may need to contact a professional.
Consider Hiring a Professional Gutter Cleaning in Marlboro Team
Depending on how often you actually perform this task and the surroundings of your home, you may be able to get away with cleaning out your gutters on your own. However, if you have neglected this chore for a while or you have a lot of trees surrounding your home, you should consider hiring a professional team.
