If you are a homeowner, you know that there are hundreds of tasks you need to keep up on in order to make sure your home is well-cared for.

Some of these jobs are more evident than others – for instance, it is easy to see when your lawn needs mowing, or a driveway needs power-washing. However, some areas of your home are less visible, and thus may not get the attention they deserve.

Today we are talking about one of those less obvious chores – maintaining clean gutters which are free of leaves.

Your gutters divert water from off a large surface area – your roof  – and away from the home’s structure. Without gutters doing their job, water can seep into vulnerabilities in the roof, soffits, walls, windows, and foundation of your home.

Maintaining clean gutters ensures that the water flows away from your home and doesn’t cause any damage.

Gutters which are clogged with leaves and debris can sag, cause water to backup, and allow leakage into areas of the roof. By cleaning your gutters several times a year, you can help to avoid the problems which pooled and diverted water can cause. Here in South Florida, it is also to check gutters after any major storm.

Safety First

It is important to point out that working on a roof, or on top of a ladder, can be very dangerous. Although the methods discussed below can save you money if you do them yourself, make sure that you are confident of your ability to climb up safely.

• Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes.
• Never climb up to the roof if it is wet or covered in debris, such as wet leaves.
• Be sure the ladder is safely anchored and not going to slip or sway.
• Do not attempt to climb up on the roof of a home taller than a single story.

If you have any concerns, call a licensed and insured roofing contractor to assist you with this job.

Five Ways to Achieve Clean Gutters

• Either from a ladder or from the roof, a leaf blower will successfully clean out loose leaves and debris that are not soggy or compacted.
• A gutter scoop is useful in cleaning out damp leaves and debris. Start from the gutter drain at the lower end, and scoop upwards until the gutter is clear.
• Dirt and leaves can be removed from the gutters by blasting water from a hose to clear the debris.
• A plumber’s snake is useful in clearing out leaf-clogged drainpipes, either from above or below.
• Minimize leaf buildup by keeping trees trimmed and branches away from the roof.

Once the gutters are cleared, you may wish to install a leaf guard to prevent further clogs and buildup.

Here’s a Hint: Even if your gutters appear clean, run a hose down them to ensure that the water is flowing freely through the downspouts.

Clogged downspouts will cause water to back up, and may cause damage to areas such as the soffits, fascia, and foundation.

This exercise will also allow you to determine if your spouts are steering the water correctly when it reaches the ground. Water pouring continually against the home, for instance, could cause structural damage.

When prioritizing important chores around the home, your gutters may not come to mind.

However, over the years they play an important role in keeping your home structurally sound and safe from water damage. If you haven’t checked lately, we recommend that you take steps to maintaining clean gutters.

If you need assistance, advice, or an inspection, call Avery Roof Services. We are dedicated to making sure that all aspects of your residential roof are properly cared for.