The Importance Of Gutter Cleaning

You've probably heard the phrase, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease." Well, the same goes for your home’s gutter system. Gutters are a simple yet essential feature that protect your entire home and require very little in return. Unfortunately, many homeowners overlook their gutters until they start to "squeak"—or in this case, sag, leak, damage your roofing system, or, worst of all, cause costly foundational issues.

By regularly cleaning your gutters, you’ll safeguard your home, save money on avoidable repairs, and ensure your house's structural integrity.

How Do Gutters Work?
Gutters are part of an ingenious water channeling system that collects rainwater, directs it to a downspout, and redirects it away from your home. This last part is particularly crucial. Diverting water away from your home helps prevent basement flooding and foundation cracking.

Why Do Gutters Matter So Much?
Without a free-flowing gutter system, water would accumulate on your roof, causing rot, mould, and leaks. But that’s just the beginning. By collecting water and redirecting it away from your home, gutters also protect your fascia, siding, landscaping, foundation, and basement, while deterring pests and rodents. Mosquitos thrive in standing water, and rodents love to nest in clogged, leafy gutters.

How Do I Clean My Gutters?
We've established how gutters work and why maintaining a free-flowing system is important. But what’s the best way to clean them? If you’re a dedicated DIYer, find a sturdy ladder and a bit of courage, as you'll be working at roof height. Next, gather:

A Pair of Gloves: Gutters accumulate various unpleasant surprises, including roof debris, leaves, rodents, and sludgy buildup. You’re going to get your hands dirty, so grab a pair of gloves.
Yard and Lawn Bags: You'll need several bags to dispose of all the debris. We recommend gathering the refuse in a bucket hooked to you instead of dropping it onto the lawn to avoid creating a mess on the ground.
A Loyal Friend: Being on a ladder can be dangerous, especially if you’re standing on unsteady ground. Have a friend stand at the base of the ladder to steady it as you work.
A Hose: For pristine gutters, you might need to use a hose or plumber’s snake to clear stubborn grime and clogged downspouts.
Or, you could reclaim your weekend and hire a professional!

Want to Leave Gutter Cleaning to the Professionals?
Professional services like Wash Rite offer comprehensive gutter and downspout cleaning. If you’d like to find out how much it would cost to have your gutters professionally cleaned, we'd be happy to provide you with a free estimate.

Protect your Kiwi home by keeping your gutters clean and in good condition!