Keeping your rain gutters in pristine condition is one of the best things you can do for your home. Not only does it ensure that your home will be protected during heavy rains and storms, but it also prevents secondary problems like pests and mold...
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Keeping your rain gutters in pristine condition is one of the best things you can do for your home. Not only does it ensure that your home will be protected during heavy rains and storms, but it also prevents secondary problems like pests and mold. When rain gutter maintenance is poor or non-existent, the perfect conditions are created for a variety of problems such as leaks and clogs. Maintaining rain gutters may seem like a tedious task, but it is actually a very simple process when you learn how to do it correctly. If you don't like the idea of climbing on a ladder or on the roof, you can hire a gutter installation and maintenance company. If you want to take on the challenge of cleaning your rain gutters, here are 5 effective tips that you can put into practice.
Tip # 1: Safety is First Before you start cleaning your rain gutters, make sure you have all the necessary safety gear. You will need work gloves to prevent hand injuries, especially if your rain gutters are made of some type of metal, and may have sharp edges or protruding metal parts. Wear safety glasses and slip-resistant shoes too. Now you are ready to get on the ladder, but before this, remember to place it on a flat surface. If possible, have someone hold the ladder from the ground. Always keep your hips within the rails, never lean to the sides, and don't work the last two steps. If there are power lines nearby or if your gutters are too high, it is best to call in a trained rain gutter technician.
Tip # 2: Clean Your Gutters Frequently Making the maintenance of your rain gutters a regular routine will increase the useful life of them and the facade of your home. A rule of thumb is to clean and check your rain gutters at least twice a year, specifically during the spring and fall. However, there are some cases where maintenance must be performed more frequently. If you live in a rainy place, then maintenance should be done as frequently as possible, since under these conditions gutters can clog faster, overflow, and the weight of the water can loosen them. You can use your hands, a shovel, or a hose to remove debris. When you're done, use the hose to make sure the water is draining properly.
Tip # 3: Clean Your Roof Again, safety is paramount. Never get on the roof if it is wet, has a layer of ice, or if there are strong winds. If conditions permit, use a rake to dispose of leaves and other debris so the next rain won't drag them into the gutters and clog them.
Tip # 4: Inspect Your Gutters Once your gutters are clean, check them. Look for signs of leaks, rust, and check the gutter joints. If you find gaps, the best solution is to patch them out of sheet metal or a patch kit that can be purchased at DIY stores. If the gaps are very small or the joints are leaking, you may need to seal them. If you find signs of rust, it means your gutters need to be replaced. Consider substituting them for aluminum, vinyl, or copper, which will not rust.
Tip # 5: Check the Downspouts Remember to inspect your downspouts for rust, leaks, or obstructions, and make sure they are several feet away from your home. If necessary, you can add extensions to the downspouts to ensure that the water is not draining too close to the foundation.
Do your rain gutters need a professional cleaning service? Rain Gutters Solution has a professional team of rain gutter technicians who can provide effective solutions at affordable prices. For this contact Gutter Guy Inc. for best gutter cleaning services.
