Gutter_And_Downspout_Cleaning

As you make up your spring cleaning list, gutter and downspout cleaning needs to be on it. Why? Because keeping your rain gutters clean is vital in protecting your home from water damage caused by clogged gutters.

Gutters and downspouts are a key element in protecting your home during heavy rains. Gutters will prevent your roofs fascia boards from getting wet and rotting out. They also protect the underneath side of your roof from getting water in there and doing more damage. Downspouts prevent water from pooling beside your foundation and seeping into your basement.

Obviously, gutter and downspout cleaning will keep your gutters cleaned out and prevent water from backing up and causing this type of damage. Water flows smoothly through the gutter channel and out the downspouts and away from your home.

Cleaning your gutter and downspouts can be done in one of two ways. Either by doing it yourself, or hiring it done by a professional.

If you do not feel comfortable climbing up a tall ladder with a garden hose, or getting on top of the roof, then don't attempt to clean the gutters yourself. Call a gutter cleaning company to come out and do it for you. It's not that expensive and it will eliminate the risk of you getting injured. You can easily find someone to do this kind of work in the yellow pages, or look online. You might also be able to get a good referral from your local home improvement or hardware store.

If you do decide to clean your rain gutters yourself, just be careful. You can use a garden hose to wash them out, or you can use a leaf blower and blow them out. This may or may not work very well. It all depends on how much debris is in your gutter.

One thing you'll want to do is make sure you wear safety glasses when doing any kind of gutter and downspout cleaning. You'll have a lot of flying debris and if you're on a ladder then you are right at eye level. Don't take unnecessary chances with your vision.

No matter which way you decide to go, don't neglect the importance of gutter and downspout cleaning. It will help you avoid any costly future repairs for years to come.

 10.10.2009