Top 7 Effective Cleaning Tips for Gutter Maintenance

The accumulation of leaves, debris, moss, bird nests, and more on your roof is a normal part of life. However, these things can make it difficult for rainwater to drain properly.

If you want to keep your property free from damage, here are some gutter cleaning tips you can do.

Start by Cleaning Your Roof

Before cleaning your gutters, make sure to clean the roof. Almost all of the debris that land on the gutters comes from the roof, so it’s best to go at the cause first. You should also check for cracks and splits. Always use a solution, such as bleach and water, a commercial cleaner, or a combination of this for better results.

Remove Larger Debris by Hand

If there is larger debris, remove them by hand. Make sure to wear gloves when using this method because many birds have been nesting in your gutters. You can use a ladder to do this thoroughly. However, you must remember that you’re working at high heights. Be sure to wear a harness to help you get down easily in case of an emergency.

Find the Best Cleaning Solution for Gutters

While there are many commercial solutions for cleaning gutters, most of them contain chemicals that can be harmful to your property and plants. You may also opt to use DIY solutions to clean your gutters. Using a solution that can clean and kill mold, fungi, and bacteria, such as bleach, is a great way to ensure that your gutters stay clean. Soak rags in this solution, and clean your gutters with them. If you find that this is not enough to clean the gutters, you’re better off just getting a commercial solution.

Select an Angled Spray Lance and the Proper Nozzle

You can use a variety of tools for cleaning your gutter. To ensure that you don’t harm your gutters, use a spray lance. You can easily find a spray lance at a local gardening store. Determine the type of nozzle that you need by measuring the diameter of your gutter. However, you should also make sure that the lance will not poke holes in the gutter while cleaning it.

Clear the Downpipes

Before you start the cleaning, clear the downpipes with a hose. You can also use a wide brush to make sure that the downpipes are clean. Make sure that you check the downpipes before and after the cleaning process to make sure that it is free from damage.

Fit Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are very important in keeping your gutters clean. You can choose to have metal guards installed on your gutters. They prevent smaller debris from accumulating in your gutters. However, if you want to save money, you can opt to have nylon guards installed.

Repaint Your Gutters

Over time, your gutters will lose their original color. You can repaint them using a spray can. For best results, you can use a color that matches your house. Clean the surface of the gutters before applying the paint.

Final Thoughts

Gutter cleaning and maintenance are essential for your home. If you haven’t done a deep cleaning before, you should start with it. After that, cleaning will be easier for you. Do you not have the time to do it? You can always hire professionals to do the job.

Learn more about gutter maintenance with Nav Construction, one of the leading residential concrete contractors in Virginia. Not only can we help you with curbs and gutters, but we can also support you with all forms of concrete repair and maintenance. Give us a call today to get started.