Tips for Superior Gutter Cleaning and Repair 

by | Dec 21, 2018 | Gutter Cleaning Services

Cleaning up roof gutters is a modest task that can prevent significant problems. If you follow the tips we have listed below to clean and repair your gutters at home, then you’ll be prolonging the system’s lifespan and protecting the structure of your house in the process.  

Thoroughly cleaning up gutters is a necessary task just during every spring and fall. Doing so keeps them working like expected. Dried leaves tend to build up in the gutter and clog the downspouts. This may cause water damage to your roof covering and fascia. Water overflowing from the gutters or coming from leaks can affect the house’s framework, as well as the basement and crawl space. 

How to Clean Gutters 

There are hose-end attachments that are specially designed for gutters and using them will make gutter cleaning so much simpler. Start by cleaning the part near the downspout. Remove leaves, twigs, and other large debris using a trowel and dump them in a bucket. Clean out smaller materials by flushing them out with the hose.  

If the water won’t drain, check the downspout strainer and clear it as needed. Check if the downspout is clogged by turning on the water and feeding up the hose. You may use a plumber snake to clear any blockage. Flush the gutter again and clean the downspout strainers. 

Proper Gutter Maintenance and Repair 

To repair your gutters, simply follow the procedure below. If any of the steps are too difficult, find a Skokie gutter cleaning expert to help you out.  

1. Adjust the gutter as needed.  

If their standing water is still present after flushing the gutter then the gutter may not be sloped in the right way. As such, it requires adjustment. Your gutter system should decline not less than a quarter of an inch every ten feet toward the downspout. If the pitch isn’t right, remove the hangers and adjust the gutter until it drains accurately. Then reattach right after. Try to work on small sections at to keep the entire gutter from falling. 

2. Examine the gutter sections and downspouts. 

Look for obvious problems and missing parts on your gutter system. The hangers should be spaced every two feet along the entire length of the gutter. Install screws and hangers on the right position on the gutter.  

3. Install hidden hangers and screw-in as per the manufacturer’s directions.  

Most of these screws are attached through the gutter’s rear and into the fascia board, and then clipped towards the inside of the gutter. If no fascia board is used, roof hangers with straps will suffice. Just follow the steps in installing that as shown on the package information. A typical installation involves placing the hanger across the gutter, clipping the strap to the hanger, and attaching the hanger under the shingles. 

Cleaning or repairing your gutters from the top of the roof is not recommended. It’s best that you use a ladder. Better yet, if you’re not comfortable with the job, hire a professional to do the job instead.