It’s Time For Spring Cleaning – the Gutters

Gutters are one of the most overlooked parts of any home until they start causing problems. Filled with debris, they begin overflowing rather than directing water away from your house. As a result, clogged gutters can cause water damage inside and outside the home, harming your foundation and even leading to flooding. In their worst shape, failing gutters can fall away from your roof and cause further damage.

While you’re tidying, dusting, and mopping as part of your spring cleaning routine, don’t neglect your home’s exterior. Here’s how to best clean up your gutters after a long winter.

Related Article: Does My Home Really Need Gutters?

Before You Begin: Gutter Safety Tips

Cleaning out your gutters is not only nasty business, but also dangerous if you are not properly prepared. Make sure you have taken the necessary safety precautions before you begin clearing out your gutters, including wearing the right clothing and using the correct tools.  

Rubber-soled shoes and thick rubber gloves will help keep your extremities safe during the cleaning process. Since you will be working around metal, make sure to check your gloves often. Corners and sharp edges of the gutters can cause rips or tears. 

Sunglasses or goggles are also recommended to keep your eyes safe from any rogue sharp objects or hazardous materials that may come loose during the cleaning process.

Finally, don’t risk your life by climbing onto your roof. Ladders are a required part of the job. Make sure your ladder is sturdy and designate a friend or relative as a spotter to keep it steady while you work. If they are not available to help on site, make sure to check in with them at regular intervals to confirm your safety.

Related Article: How to Perform a DIY Deck Inspection

Cleaning Out Your Gutters

To begin cleaning, consider using a wire brush to loosen any hardened accumulations. Once you remove all the debris from the gutters, be sure to rinse them out. This technique is a quick and easy way to make sure the last of the debris is removed. 

The water flow will also help identify any leaks within the gutters or in the connection of the gutters to the home. If a quick rinse reveals any damage or flaws, call a professional to help assess the severity and schedule a repair or replacement.

Fixing Gaps

If there is minor damage, like a small hole or gap in your gutters, there are some ways to accomplish a simple DIY fix. 

For holes, you will need a piece of sheet metal cut to the right size to cover the hole. Then, spread a thin layer of roofing cement around the edges of the hole and press the sheet metal into place. Finish by putting another layer of roofing cement on top of the sheet metal and allow time to dry. 

If you happen to find any minor gaps between the gutters and your home, use gutter caulk to seal the gap closed.

Related Article: I Can’t Afford a New Roof… Now What?

Gutters Don’t Have To Be Ugly

Spring cleaning will have you looking at your home with an entirely new perspective, making you realize which parts of your home are less appealing. While gutters are functional and usually necessary, they are not always pretty. Old gutters can be faded, rusted, dirty, and detrimental with your home’s curb appeal. Thankfully, there are many ways to make gutters blend in or even upgrade the look of your home’s exterior.

Gutters come in many shapes, sizes, and colors that can be chosen to match the style of your home. Anything from a white trim vintage look to a minimalist style can be installed to revamp the exterior of your home for spring. Right now, black gutters are a hot trend for renovators.
Contact us for an upgrade to your home’s exterior with a gutter renovation project.