While many New Year’s resolutions focus on self-improvement, caring for your home deserves consideration as well. An improvement in your home maintenance strategy can minimize repair bills and help you extend the life of your home’s major systems. Maintaining and cleaning your gutters regularly, for example, prevents roof damage and damage to other areas of your home.
What Do Gutters Do?
When it rains or when ice and snow melt, the water cascades down your roof. The gutters collect this water, preventing erosion, wood rot, and landscaping damage. When the gutters are clogged, however, the water backs up on the roof or pools. In the winter, damaging ice dams can form. These issues lead to preventable problems, such as water leaks and damage to the soffits and fascia.
Common Causes of Clogged Gutters
Water needs to channel into the gutters and through the downspouts efficiently. A blockage anywhere in the system can lead to expensive roof repair bills. What causes clogged gutters?
- Twigs, leaves, and seeds
- Bird and animal nests
- Shingles granules, and grit
- Dirt, mud, and moss
- Trash, such as after a major storm
Gutter Cleaning Safety Concerns
To remove the gunk and debris from your gutters and downspouts, you must physically access the gutters. Typically, this involves standing on a ladder or even perching on a sharply sloping roof. Large chunks of debris must be manually removed. Sludge and finer debris can be flushed or snaked. This process exposes you to safety hazards such as:
- Physical strain and overexertion
- Exposure to mold and other contaminants
- Ladder and roof falls
- Contact with pests and rodents
- Gutter and roof damage, if the gutters are impaired in any way
What to Expect From Professional Gutter Cleaning
Letting a pro do the job eliminates the risks and safety concerns associated with gutter cleaning. It also ensures that the job is completed thoroughly, and it prevents the need to buy or rent special equipment. A professional gutter cleaner will arrive with all of the cleaning and safety gear required for the job. A thorough inspection of the gutters will be done to ensure that the gutters are in good condition before cleaning begins. Large debris will be scooped out. Then, the professional will use water or air to propel fine debris out. Before leaving, the professional will clean up the work area. You might also receive maintenance suggestions, such as trimming back trees that hang over the roof.
Gutter cleaning is essential, but it can also be messy, exhausting, and even dangerous. Clean your gutters without the hassle by scheduling gutter service in Nashville, TN with Don Kennedy Roofing.