A home's gutter system controls the flow of rainwater from the roof to a designated location. Water that doesn't drain properly can damage your home’s foundation and landscaping, resulting in mold growth, a wet basement, leaky roofs, and flooded walls or ceilings. Regular gutter cleaning helps prevent clogs that can lead to these problems.
Clean gutters and downspouts twice a year, spring and fall.
Whether you're dealing with sticks, leaves, animal feces, or other debris that can clog the system, it's important to clean your gutters at least twice a year. This will reduce the risk of damaging your home and keep it from being a prime attraction for pests.
Trim overhanging trees to reduce the amount of sticks and leaves that will collect on your roof and clog your gutters. When you are cleaning your gutters, be sure to use a ladder that's safe for climbing. A stepladder will work well for a one-story house, while an extension ladder is needed if your home is two or more stories tall.
Before you begin, be sure to grab a garbage bag or a plastic container with a lid that you can place over your gutters so you can collect the debris as you remove it. This will make it easier to keep up with the cleaning process and to clean your gutters quickly.
Always wear safety goggles when you are cleaning your gutters and removing debris. These are a must to avoid eye injury or even suffocation. If your gutters are sagging or you see any cracks, holes, or other signs of deterioration, it's time for repair. The best way to make sure your gutters work at their optimum capacity is to schedule regular maintenance and cleaning, which is why it is best left to a professional service like Gutter Cleaning Chesapeake VA . By hiring a professional, you are guaranteed that your gutter system is free of buildup, obstructions, and excess debris, saving you time and money in the long term.
Check your downspouts for clogs and obstructions every time you clean your gutters to ensure the water is flowing away from your house and not toward it. This will prevent sagging gutters, mildew and mud from building up, and can even save you money on roofing replacement costs.
It's also a good idea to install splash blocks beneath your downspouts, so water can't get sucked up close to the foundation of your house. This can cause water to pool around the foundation and erode it over time, leading to costly repairs and foundation damages.
Landscaping your yard is a great way to enhance your home's curb appeal, add value, and attract more potential buyers. When done right, it can increase your home's overall value by up to 20%.
The best part of landscaping your yard is that it can be fun and easy to do yourself. The key is to plan your landscaping and materials wisely so that they fit into the overall design of your home.
Think of your landscape as another room or rooms in your home. Create pathways that link spaces and allow people to move easily between different areas of your yard.
You can use a rake or a shovel to clear leaves, twigs and other debris from your gutters. If you need to pull out large pieces of debris, you can use a leaf blower.
