As a homeowner, one of the most important things you can do to maintain your house is by cleaning your eavestrough regularly. Eavestroughs play a vital role in ensuring that rainwater from the roof is channeled to the right place, thus avoiding potential damage to your home. However, eavestrough cleaning can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to it. Envirotech Exteriors can assist you with all of your eavestrough needs for your home or business.
This blog post contains helpful tips and tricks to make the process a lot less intimidating for you. Read on to learn more!
Gather the right tools
You cannot clean your eavestrough without the right tools. Some of the must-have tools for this task include a sturdy ladder, gloves, a trowel, a bucket, and a hose. The ladder should be strong and tall enough to reach the roof level comfortably. The gloves will protect your hands from the debris and other dangerous things that might be in the eavestrough. The trowel will help you scoop the dirt, grime, and sludge that may have accumulated in the eavestrough. The bucket is where you’ll dump all the debris, and finally, the hose is used to flush out the gutter.
Plan ahead and be safe
It’s essential to plan ahead before you start cleaning the eavestrough. Check the weather forecast for the week and pick a day that’s suitable for the task. Also, check your ladder to ensure it’s in good condition before you climb on it. Always place your ladder on a flat surface and ask someone to hold the ladder for extra support. Make sure you’re wearing non-slip shoes, comfortable clothing, and goggles to protect your eyes from debris falling on them.
Start from the downspouts
When cleaning the eavestrough, always start from the downspouts first. Use the trowel to scoop out the debris around the downspouts, and then use the hose to flush any remaining dirt and grime. If the downspouts get clogged, use the trowel to loosen the debris, and then flush with the hose until the water runs freely. Remember to spray the water at an angle so that the downspout doesn’t get damaged.
Be mindful of the surrounding areas
When cleaning eavestroughs, it’s essential to be mindful of the surrounding areas, such as flower beds and bushes. Debris can easily fall on these areas and damage them. Before you start cleaning the eavestrough, cover the flower beds, bushes, and outdoor furniture with plastic sheets to protect them from debris. It’s also essential to inspect the surrounding areas once you’re done cleaning to ensure that they’re not damaged.
Regular maintenance
The best way to ensure that your eavestrough remains clean is by scheduling regular maintenance. Cleaning your eavestrough twice a year, in the spring and the fall, is recommended. You can also consider investing in eavestrough guards, which will prevent debris from entering the gutter and make the cleaning process a lot easier.
Conclusion:
Cleaning eavestroughs can be a tedious and challenging task, but with the right tools, safety precautions, and tips, it can be a breeze. Remember to plan ahead, use the right tools, start from the downspouts, be mindful of your surroundings, and consider scheduling regular maintenance. Cleaning your eavestrough is an essential part of maintaining your home, so don’t neglect it. If you’re still unsure or don’t have the time, consider hiring a professional to do it for you. With these tips, you’re on your way to a clean and properly functioning eavestrough!