Most Efficient Strategies for Gutter Cleaning and Roof Maintenance

Gutter Cleaning and Roof Maintenance are not jobs that most homeowners and business owners like to do, but they need to be done to prevent a lot of problems. When debris gets stuck inside gutters and downspouts, rainwater is unable to safely drain away from your home or business. This can result in a number of problems, including leaks, water damage to your property, and even mold.

If you want to use a Leaf Blower or pressure washer, avoid damaging the gutter trough, try to limit the presser you blast into it. Instead, scoop out large pieces of debris with a plastic gutter scooping tool, available at most hardware stores. The tool's thin front scooping edge has the same shape as the gutter trough's bottom, so it's easy to grab debris and get it out of the gutter without scratching or damaging.

Whether you're using a hand scoop or a pressure washer, don't forget to rinse out your gutters with a hose after you're done. This will remove any remaining dirt, sand, or other materials that may have accumulated during the gutter-cleaning process.

For safety purposes, you'll want to wear rubber gloves while you work. Leather gloves can snag metal shards from the gutter, which could be dangerous. Similarly, if you're spraying high-pressure water into your gutters, it's important to have eye protection on.

From the Ground: If you're not comfortable using a ladder, you can use an extension pole to clean your gutters from the ground. This can be a lot safer than climbing up onto a ladder, and you'll be able to clean more of the gutter channel than with a hose, which tends to spray over the sides.

You can also buy a long gutter-cleaning tool, which you'll use to reach and brush out the entire length of your gutter. Be sure to position the tool so that it's far from any trees or other obstacles, so you can work at full height with ease.

Before deciding to climb up a ladder, make sure you have someone else nearby who can help. This will ensure that you're not injured while working on the roof or falling off of it.

If you're going to use a ladder, consider using an aluminum one with a sturdy standoff to protect the gutters from denting and damage. A four-legged step ladder is a good choice for single-story homes, while an extension ladder is best for two-story homes with a wide gutter.