Gutters and downspouts need regular maintenance if you are to prevent the problems regularly associated with moisture intrusions such as wood rot and mold. When you consider that just a few inches of rain falling onto a roof can produce thousands of gallons of water runoff, it’s easy to see why the gutters need to be working optimally.
If you decide to clean the gutters yourself, always think about your safety first. It is best to have someone working with you to support the ladder, etc. When clearing the gutters, wear the right protective gear, such as a good pair of work shoes and protective gloves. There may be all kinds of sharp objects and debris in the gutters, and you could also encounter small animals and insects, so being protected is important.
Gutter cleaning often requires the use of a lot of water. You will want to make sure this water is directed away from the house. Otherwise, the soil around the foundation will become too soaked and could cause problems.
Lastly, give downspouts a thorough check as they are often damaged by vehicles accidentally hitting them. You should also check that they are connected to the gutters and fixed firmly to the house. Downspouts are sometimes installed upside down by mistake, which can cause them to leak, so check that this is not the case.
