As the cool autumn winds continue rolling in, it’s time to shift our focus to some fall home maintenance tasks. Winter is on its way, and one thing we shouldn’t overlook is taking care of our gutters and downspouts during fall. Those tree leaves just keep on falling, and if they pile up in your gutters, it can lead to clogs and blockages. Trust us; you don’t want to risk costly water damage to your home’s foundation, roof, or siding. Luckily, all it takes to avoid any potential trouble is a simple cleaning of your gutters and downspouts. So, let’s get into it!
Today, Five Star Dayton Plumbing has got some handy tips to help keep your home protected and your gutter system in top shape during this season.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS YOUR GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS NEED A CLEANING?
When leaves, twigs, branches, and other outdoor debris start spilling out of your gutters and downspouts, it’s a clear sign that they need a good cleaning. Another clue is when you see water pooling around the base of your home after heavy rainfall because it is not being drained appropriately from your gutters.
WHAT ARE THE BEST TIMES OF THE YEAR TO CLEAN GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS?
Make sure you clean out your gutters at least twice a year, but we recommend cleaning it three times if you can swing it, especially if you’ve got lots of trees around your home! Spring and early fall are the general rule of thumb. But we get it; time flies! So, if you haven’t had a chance to give your gutters some love yet, no worries. Remember, it’s better late than never!
HOW TO PERFORM A GUTTER CLEANING:
- Safety Tips – Above all, safety should be your top priority. If at any point you feel unsafe or uncomfortable while doing this task, just stop and don’t push yourself. Remember, you can always call a professional to come and clean your gutters if needed.
- Clean with a Ladder – Step ladders are notorious for tipping off balance, so it’s smarter to go for a sturdy extension ladder instead. It’s also a good idea to get someone to stand at the base and hold onto the ladder to keep it stable while you clean the gutters. If you choose this method, using gloves or a small brush is the easiest way to scoop out leaves and debris quickly and efficiently. But remember, this is only for single-story homes. Two-story or higher? Leave it to the pros who have the right gear to do the job safely!
- Clean from the Ground – Cleaning gutters with both feet on the ground is the safest way to go. You can grab a gutter cleaning wand or a leaf blower attachment from your local home improvement store. These attachments will help you clean your gutters in a more systematic and gradual manner.
HOW TO PERFORM A DOWNSPOUT CLEANING:
Now that we’ve got the gutters sorted, it’s time to move on to the downspouts. They need some attention too! Before you begin, disconnect the downspout extension at the base. Once that’s done, the vertical part of the spout should be open. Then, just clear out any loose leaves and debris from the end of the vertical piece and the downspout extension you removed. If the downspout or vertical gutter piece is clogged, you can use a water hose to flush it out further. This will help get rid of any remaining debris and loose particles. If you’re dealing with a serious clog, a plumbing snake might come in handy.
As winter approaches, it’s important to take some time now to get your gutters and downspouts ready for the upcoming weather. You don’t want any blockages coupled with snowmelt or bad weather to cause water damage.
If you ever need a reliable plumbing company, feel free to give us a call. We’re here to offer you our top-notch customer service for all your plumbing needs! You can reach Five Star Dayton Plumbing today at (937) 230-6506 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
