We have discussed in previous post what a pain it is to get water damage to your home. Spring is right around the corner and so are heavy rain showers. Gutters are built to prevent your home from getting water damage by gathering the rain and running it toward the downspouts. Without functional gutters, water would be pounding your roof with nowhere to go. Therefore, it can be dangerous to have dirty gutters!

Clean gutters are a great way to ensure the rain water won’t meet up with your foundation or end up in your basement. If your gutters are clogged with debris and leaves, water will likely pool up. This affects the gutters’ ability to protect your home from water. Clogged gutters are also a major breeding ground for mosquitos, and who wants a mosquito infestation around their home?

To keep your gutters working properly, you should clean them, at minimum, twice a year. If you choose to clean you gutters on your own, here’s how to do it:

1. Wear rubber gloves and a long sleeve shirt to protect your hands and arms from sharp objects that may be lodged in the gutter.

2. There are many different types of ladders you could use while cleaning the gutter. If you use an extendable ladder, be sure to use a stand- off stabilizer so you don’t damage the gutter.

3. Use a small plastic shovel or scoop to remove the buildup.

4. Putting a plastic tarp down will spare your lawn when discarding the buildup.

5. Once all the gunk has been removed from the gutter, use a garden hose to flush the gutters. This will also make it easier to spot if there is a leak that needs repaired on your gutters.

If water damage strikes your home because of a gutter issue, contact TPE immediately. We will send out one of our specialists to fix the damage before it gets worse.