Gutter maintenance prolongs the life of your gutter system and allows you to conduct inspections of your home to get ahead of potential problems before they develop into something more serious.  Making sure that water easily moves through the gutters is the main benefit of conducting regular gutter maintenance. There are several other long-term benefits of giving your gutters a little TLC twice a year.  Leaky or failing gutters can lead to mold issues, pest infestations, and even leaky basements. Take an hour, twice a year, and give your gutters the attention they deserve.  In most cases, gutter maintenance requires being on a ladder. If you are uncomfortable with heights or have difficulty with balance, reach out to a gutter cleaning company to help with your maintenance. 

Gutter Maintenance Supplies You Will Need

You will need the following supplies to complete routine maintenance of your gutter system.

  • Ladder

A ladder is required to access your gutters. If your home has gutters that are over a story high or close to power lines, we’d suggest contacting a professional.  Always place your ladder on a level surface or have someone hold it at the base. To prevent your ladder from tipping, always keep your hips between the rails and never lean out. You never want to stand on the top two rungs of your ladder.  Additionally, do not go on your roof if the conditions are icy, wet, or windy. Weather conditions increase the odds of slipping and falling. 

  • Gloves

You may find your gutters full of gross, cold, wet leaves. Using a coated waterproof glove keeps moisture to a minimum while keeping your hands warm.

  • Non-slip Shoes

Non-slip shoes for removing wet leaves while climbing up and down a ladder will reduce the opportunity to slip and tumble from roof height.

  • Garden Hose

You will need a garden hose to rinse out your gutters. Additionally, you can use a garden hose to test if your downspouts are clogged. Your hose should include a spray nozzle.

  • Gutter scoop

Gutter scoops are great to pull debris out of your gutters. You can typically find them at area home improvement stores.

  • Bucket

You will want a bucket to collect the leaves and debris. 

How Many Times A Year Should I Clean My Gutters?

Kearns Brothers recommend cleaning your gutters twice a year; in the spring and fall. However, if you notice that your gutters get clogged more frequently, then clean them in the summer months as well. The process of cleaning your gutters prolongs their life. It also reduces the opportunity for your gutters to cause problems with your roof system. 

What are the Steps For Cleaning My Gutters?

  • Climb your ladder and scoop out any debris and leaves from your gutters
  • Once you have removed the debris, spray out your gutters with a garden hose
  • If water backs up, there is a blockage somewhere, possibly your downspouts
  • Spray water at full force down your spouts to break up the blockage
  • Use a plumber’s snake if you have difficulty breaking up the blockage

I’ve Cleaned My Gutters. What Next?

You’ve done it! Gutters are clean and now take a look around.
  • Clear any debris off your roof
Any debris lingering on your roof can become the next clog in your gutters. Clear any pine needles, pine cones, leaves, twigs, and anything else you find on the roof.
  • Inspect your gutters
Look for the presence of leaks, rust, and check your gutter joints. Patch any holes you find in your gutters using sealant and caulking. If rust is present, you will likely need your gutters replaced shortly. Call the MI experts at Kearns Brothers for a free consultation.  Be sure to check out your gutter spikes. If they are pulling away from your house, it could be a sign that your fascia is starting to fail. If there is fascia rot, there could be an opening where pests can get into your eaves.

Gutter Maintenance is Low-Risk and High-Reward for Your Roof

Conducing routing gutter maintenance is a sure-fire way to prolong the life of your gutter system. It’s also a great way to check up on parts of your roof system. It can help prevent rot, mold, and pest infestations.  Call Kearns Brother’s today if you have problems with your gutter system. We are a trusted roofing contractor that has served metro Detroit for nearly 40 years. Contact us today for more information.