How to Properly Clean Gutters on Your Edina, MN, Area Home
Gutters serve one very critical function, and that is to control the flow of rainwater and snowmelt around your home in the Edina, Minnesota, area. If debris is obstructing your gutter system, it will not be able to function properly, leaving your home vulnerable to a plethora of unpleasant issues, including mold growth, ice damming, topsoil erosion, and bug infestation. To avoid these headaches, it is imperative to clean your gutters thoroughly at least twice a year – once at the beginning of fall, and again at the beginning of spring. While it may be a tedious job that many homeowners would like to ignore, knowing how to clean your gutter system properly may save you money on costly water damage repairs in the future.
Cleaning Tips to Follow
If you think it’s time for the gutters on your home in the Edina, MN, area to get a good cleaning, here are some steps to follow:
- Get prepared – To clean gutters by hand, you’ll need work gloves, a dust mask, safety goggles, and a ladder. Make sure the ladder is well-footed at all times and use a ladder stabilizer to prevent denting your gutters. Safety should be your top priority, so if you aren’t comfortable using tall ladders, consider hiring help to do the job for you. If you do decide to clean the gutters yourself, stay vigilant and watch out for hazards such as power lines and beehives.
- Cleaning time – Clear the gutters of debris beginning at one end and making your way to the other, always working from the ladder and not the roof, which is more dangerous. Scoop the debris into a garbage bag with a garden trowel, and tighten up any loose gutter sections you may find.
- Spray spouts – When you get to the end of the gutters where the downspout is, spray a hose down the spout to make sure it’s clear. If the spout is clogged, try breaking through the obstruction with a plumber’s snake, or take the spout apart to clear it. Once everything is clear and the water is flowing properly, make sure the discharge end of the downspouts are extended at least 4 to 6 feet away from the home to avoid foundation damage.
Consider a Gutter Guard
Cleaning gutters can be an arduous task, so if you don’t have the time or inclination to do it yourself, consider getting a gutter guard system to do the job for you. At Gutter Helmet of Minnesota, we offer our Gutter Helmet gutter protection system, which uses a cutting-edge patented design to prevent leaves, twigs, and other debris from clogging your gutters, ensuring you’ll never need to clean them yourself again – guaranteed. Furthermore, if the time has come to replace your old gutter system, we also offer top-notch GenGo gutters that are made to last a lifetime. Constructed from heavy-duty .032 gauge aluminum, they’re strong enough to withstand the most torrential downpours, heavy snowfall, and strong winds.