The Best Time Of Year To Clean Your Gutters are Spring and fall!
Gutter cleaning and maintenance would be ideal at least twice a year - once in the spring and then once again in the fall. It's technically when most of the leaves and other debris fall and potentially clog up your gutter system. Clogging leads to gutters overflowing which can damage the roof, fascia, and worst of all end up along the foundation of your home.
Keep in mind as winter rears its' ugly, snowy, icy head...if your gutters are not clear of leaves, branches, etc then my friend you may have a huuuge, costly problem on your hands. Yikes!
Problems that can occur if gutter maintenance is not followed:
Your gutters can overflow causing water damage to your roof and foundation
Any water trapped in your gutters will freeze.
Frozen water expands and can easily split gutter seams/joints which will leak or fail
Ice and debris that is trapped will get heavier causing gutters to sag, bend, and even pull away from your house and fall to the ground (or possibly on your vehicle).
Don't worry though, your friendly neighborhood window cleaner is here to SAVE THE DAY!!!
But seriously, Top Window Cleaner provides year-round gutter cleaning and maintenance to avoid those pesky water and ice damages to protect your family and home.
Due to busy lives, especially during the fall and winter holidays, you may be inclined to opt for our recurring annual or bi-annual automated gutter cleaning services so you're not caught in the rain with your downspouts clogged!
If you're a DIY'er then you have a couple of options to keep those gutter clutter-free.
Clean Your Gutters Using A Ladder:
You can use a ladder with gutter cleaning tools or simply do it by hand. Always take safety precautions when using equipment especially those used at heights such as ladders, etc.
Items needed:
gloves (nitrile would be better)
safety glasses
ladder
gutter scoop/trowel
bucket (for the debris)
bucket hooks
garden hose
gutter cleaning wand
Steps to cleaning your gutters:
Remove any material near the downspout and clear any downspout strainers. For the rest of the debris use a scoop/trowel to clean packed-in material or you might like to use your hands instead.
Using a gutter cleaning attachment like a gutter cleaning wand flush out the rest of the debris with a hose. Be sure to start at the far end and move toward the downspout. (Warning: do not spray under the shingles as it can loosen them)
Flush out your downspout.
Remove any clogs. Cover the open pipe with a bucket in case a lot of debris comes out. Feed the hose nozzle up the spout, and spray at full pressure to release the clog.
Once you clear any clogs, reattach the downspout and flush the gutters again with a hose.
Clean Your Gutters With a Leaf Blower
Alternatively, you can clean your gutters with a leaf blower and the right attachment to keep rainwater draining efficiently without the need to climb a ladder.
Items needed:
gloves (nitrile would be better)
safety glasses
leaf blower
leaf blower attachment
Steps to cleaning your gutters:
Assemble the blower attachment. Remove the blower tube from your blower. Fit the adapter to your blower securely. Attach the extensions needed to reach the gutters from the ground.
Start the blower and move the nozzle along the gutters, angling it to blow away from you. (Warning: be careful not to damage the shingles or gutters and avoid blowing material up onto the roof)
Disassemble the blower and store your gutter cleaning accessories accordingly.
Gutter cleaning attachments can extend the reach of your blower by 11 to 12 feet, so they’re suitable manly for single-story houses.
As with ladders, follow the safety instructions for the blower attachment kit and leaf blower.
Whether you decide to go with us, another company or be a solo DIY'er keeping those gutters clear is essential to have less stress during the holidays.