The autumn’s leaves fall in great amounts enough to block your gutters in the rainy season. If your gutters are blocked, rain water won’t drain away from your house and it will pour on your structure’s walls, siding and even ruin the foundation. Gutters loaded with debris can easily break off from the rest of the structure. Gutter cleaning is therefore a precautionary measure that will prevent flooding in your property and preserve your structural integrity. This job should be done before the start of the rains when the leaves are dry.
Cleaning gutters is a job that should best be left to professionals.
Work area preparation and safety gear
Your contractor will start by positioning a ladder firmly on a level ground near a downspout. To catch falling debris from the gutters, a tarp will be spread on ground under the area being cleaned. The next step is wearing protective gear which includes work gloves, safety goggles and sturdy shoes.
Preparation for actual cleaning of the gutters will then follow. Your cleaner will go up the ladder carrying a bucket of tools of work and an empty bucket or handled plastic bag for putting the debris. Cleaning tools include a trowel or scoop and a screw driver. Other tools not in the bucket that will be used in cleaning include a garden hose with a spray nozzle or gutter cleaning nozzle and a plumber’s snake to deal with any downspout clogs.
Actual cleaning
Large debris like twigs and leaves are scooped out of the gutter and dumped in the empty bucket or bag. Debris may also be thrown down on the tarp for later cleaning. Your cleaner will work his/her way in the opposite side of the downspout. After all the large debris is removed, your cleaner will bring the two buckets down. Next, small debris and dirt will be washed away with water. Once again, your contractor will climb up the ladder but this time with the cleaning hose. From the opposite side of the gutter away from the downspout, the gutter should be flushed out with a water spray. Dirt and all remaining small debris should flow down the spout.
Dealing with blockage
Slow water drain is an indication that the downspout strainer is clogged. To correct this, your contractor will use a screwdriver to detach the spout from the pipe. A hose with a spray nozzle attachment is inserted up the spout. Water is then turned on at full pressure to dislodge any blockage. If this doesn’t work, a plumber’s snake tool will be used to remove the downspout clog.
Final rinse
Finally, all the pieces detached in the process of cleaning will be put back in place. A final rinse will then be done from the opposite end of the gutter. If water drains well through the downspout to the ground drain, then you can rest assured that your gutters are clean and ready for the rains. You should however inspect your downspouts and gutters when it is raining for proper functioning.
Professional gutter cleaning companies should be insured, licensed and bonded. Ensure that your contractor’s company is licensed by your local licensing board and that the license is up-to-date.
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