Gutter Care, Maintenance, and Cleaning Tips

The warm weather has now arrived, which means that many people across the country are beginning to tackle spring cleaning projects both indoors and outdoors. One outdoor project that often gets overlooked, however, is cleaning out your home’s gutters. Ensuring your gutters are cleared from debris is an important step in protecting your home and should be done at least once or twice a year in the fall and/or spring. If you’re a first-time homeowner or are unsure of how to properly care for, maintain, and clean your gutters, Blackstone Exteriors has a few tips to get you started.

Safety Measures

One downside to cleaning out your gutters is that it can be difficult to see inside the gutters, meaning you may not be aware of any dangerous materials or insects lurking in any given pile of leaves or debris. To protect yourself, always wear protective gear such as gloves and even safety goggles. As an added safety measure, only use sturdy ladders to help protect you from falling.

Clear Out Debris

Once you’ve secured a safe work environment, begin clearing your gutters from leaves and other debris so you can complete maintenance checks when needed. If your gutters get so clogged that they can’t function properly, it can result in costly problems and repairs later down the road.

Maintenance Checks

Once your gutters are cleared out, you can work on any maintenance projects you may have. For example, check for leaks by using a garden hose to rinse your gutters. If you find any leaks, they will need to be repaired to keep your gutters functioning properly. While you can certainly tackle a repair yourself, there are repair services available to save you the hassle and headache of having to figure things out yourself.

Watch for Signs of Water Damage

If you haven’t cleaned or maintained your gutters in a while, you will want to be on the lookout for signs of water damage. Water damage can wreak havoc on the structure and foundation of a home, so it’s important to take precautions against water damage before it occurs. When you’re looking for water damage, check the wood around your gutters for signs of rot and deterioration, and check your foundation for cracks.

By following these tips, you will be well on your way to protecting your home from water damage and costly repairs. If you still need help or have questions about maintaining and cleaning your gutters, give the friendly professionals at Blackstone Exteriors a call today.