Jun

8

HOME MAINTENANCE TIP: Get Out of the Gutter!

Filed Under Home Maintenance Tips 

Hasn’t it been a rainy spring? Here in Nor Cal, we generally don’t get any rain after February or March, but we are nearing the end of May, and the rains keep coming.

Don’t let a little rain or fog prevent you from doing a small task that will save you a lot of money in the long run. Professionals will advise you to clean your gutters twice a year. This year we are suggesting you clean them NOW!  If your home has trees that leave near your gutters, it’s even more important to clear them now. You can call a handy man to do this job for you, and it should be an inexpensive undertaking, $2-300.

If you decide you want  to do this yourself, first, make sure you have the right tools. That includes heavy jeans, sturdy shoes, and work gloves. If your house is low enough, a step ladder might give you the access to the roof line; if not, a larger folding ladder is good. If you have to use an extension ladder and lean it  against the roof, make sure to insert a 2×4 in the gutter to keep it from collapsing.

One method handymen use to clear the gutter is to use a leaf blower. This works fine, as long as you are also wearing safety goggles and a mouth mask.  You want to make sure to clear all the leaves completely from the gutter, especially in the area where a leaf guard (grill) is installed.  These grills usually can be removed to be completely cleaned. 

Another method is to scoop the debris out into a bag, then use a hose to clear out any remaning dirt. Spray the nozzele down the spout and/or use a snake to get up inside a gutter to clear really heavy buildup.

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