Why Gutter Cleaning Is Important
Got rain gutters? We sure hope so because rain gutters play a crucial role in keeping homes and businesses safe. However, just having gutters isn’t enough to keep your property in good condition. You’ll also need to maintain those gutters; otherwise, they will accumulate debris and eventually lose their overall functionality. In this blog, we’ll explain why gutter cleaning is important, how the cleaning process works, and whether you should try doing this work on your own or scheduling professional services.
We are Larry’s Pressure Washing, and we are proud to be the go-to choice for gutter cleaning services in Houston, TX. If, at any point, you feel like you’re best off with professional services, reach out to us. We’d be happy to lend you a hand.
How Gutters Become Dirty
The reason that gutters need to be cleaned is that they gather debris over time. But what does this debris entail? Over time, leaves will fall off trees, and in many cases, they will wind up inside your gutters. This is only the tip of the iceberg, however. In addition to leaves, you may also find twigs, sticks, bird nests, and even garbage inside your gutters. The more this waste is allowed to accumulate, the harder it will be for rainwater to flow through the gutters. This ultimately results in clogs, and therefore, water overflowing from gutters whenever it rains.
This isn’t the only way that gutters become dirty. Their exterior surfaces also get messy as time goes on. Step outside your property and take a look. Do you see a dark film on your gutters’ exteriors? This layer of grime is likely made of dirt, pollen, algae, dead insects, etc. It hardly improves your home or business’s appearance, either.
How Often Should Gutters Be Cleaned?
Many negative consequences will arise if you don’t clean your gutters. They will fill up with so much debris that they no longer channel water to the ground effectively. This increases the risk of overflowing water, and in turn, moisture damage to your property. So, how often should you clean your gutters to prevent this from happening? How often is too often? And how long can you wait before you risk any serious consequences?
Our general recommendation is annual gutter cleaning. This prevents excessive debris accumulation and keeps your property safe from the risk of moisture damage. Has it already been over a year since your surfaces were cleaned? If so, they’re overdue, so take action sooner rather than later.
How Gutter Clean Outs Work
Now that you know why gutter cleaning is important, it’s time to do something about it. To restore gutter functionality, you’ll need to look into the process of gutter clean outs. This refers to the removal of all debris that has accumulated inside your gutters. To do this work, you’ll need a ladder, gloves, trash bags, and optionally, a leaf blower.
Begin by placing your ladder in a level area where it won’t wobble. Next, put on your gloves and remove all debris from your gutters. Be sure to place this debris in trash bags so you can dispose of it properly. Dealing with gutters that are full of leaves? If so, feel free to use that leaf blower to force out leaves and make those gutters empty again.
Don’t Forget Gutter Brightening
It’s a good thing to clear out your gutters’ interiors. However, don’t overlook your gutters’ exteriors. To be honest, it will probably be difficult to overlook them if they are already covered with layers of grime anyway. To restore their beauty without causing any damage to them, you’ll want to thoroughly scrub their exteriors with soft-bristled brushes and some sort of cleaning solution.
What’s the best cleaning solution for gutter brightening? There are many specially marked cleaners for the job at your local supermarket or hardware store. Some examples include Gutter Brite and Gutter Butter. Don’t have these on hand? Don’t worry because you can just make your own at home! A mixture of dish soap and warm water is enough to get the job done.
Safety Tips For Gutter Cleaning
To keep yourself safe during your project, don’t forget to follow these guidelines.
- Remember basic ladder safety. When climbing a ladder, don’t forget the rule of three points of contact. You have two arms and two legs. Three of those need to be on the ladder at all times to reduce the risk of falling.
- Don’t touch bird nests without gloves. Want to remove an abandoned bird nest? Be careful and wear gloves because birds carry pathogens that can leap from species to species. We don’t want you to get sick!
- Treat gutter exteriors with care. Rain gutters are delicate structures, and if they aren’t treated properly, they will become damaged. Don’t let this happen; make sure you are using soft-bristled brushes and a gentle cleaner.
DIY Vs. Professional Gutter Cleaning
Should you do your own gutter cleaning, or is it better to schedule an appointment with a professional business? That really depends on you and your tastes. For example, maybe you’re the type that would like to save money regardless of the cost. If so, consider doing the work on your own because you won’t have to pay yourself to do the work. On the other hand, if you are intimidated by the DIY process and want to save time and energy, professional gutter cleaning is the best choice for you.
You understand why gutter cleaning is important. Now, experience the benefits for yourself by reaching out to Larry’s Pressure Washing. Our team of experts looks forward to revitalizing your rain gutters so you don’t have to go through the trouble. Getting started is as simple as contacting us online with information about your project. We’ll give you a free cost estimate, and then, you can choose a time and date for your appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon.