If you enjoy the occasional bizarre language and statements in the current presidential campaign, try this one – “the most neglected part of homeownership is the gutters. It’s personal for me”.
The “me” is Democratic vice-presidential pick Tim Walz, who reckons he has had some bad gutter experiences. “You get your basement wet. You get ice dams. It causes a lot of problems,” he told the quirky podcast, “Subway Takes”.
On this point, Tim has nailed a major homeownership issue.
Neglected gutters cause no end of trouble for you. Clogged pipes and gutters cause water to overflow into your home, often inflicting serious structural damage that’s expensive to fix.
It’s also ideal real estate for critter nests, which would open up a whole new set of problems.
So, below, I’ve offered tips on cleaning your gutters.
I want to stress that if you’re not confident with heights or climbing ladders, please book a home maintenance professional to do the work. Prioritize your safety.
- Weather Factor: Choose a clear, dry day to avoid slipping on wet surfaces.
- Communicate: Let a friend or family member know you’ll be cleaning the gutters, and roughly how long it’ll take. They can come looking if they haven’t heard from you for a while.
- Right Stuff: You’ll need a sturdy ladder, gloves, goggles, a scoop or trowel to remove the muck, and a bucket to place it in. Use a hose to flush away the remaining dirt.
- Over-Reach: Many of us have done this: we’ve over-reached and can feel our balance on the edge of tipping disaster. Never stretch too far. You risk the ladder tipping, and you falling. Always have two feet on the ladder when cleaning.
- Starting Point: Always begin your work at the downpipe and work your way along the gutter. This will ensure that trapped water immediately flows away from your work area.
- Take Breaks: Cleaning gutters is tiring work. You’re using a lot of muscles to not only get the job done but also maintain your balance. Concentration is another factor. The moment you feel that slipping, it’s time for a rest.
- Flush it: Once you’ve removed the debris, it’s time to use the hose to flush away the remaining dirt.
- Finally: Consider gutter guards. They don’t keep everything out, but they’ll reduce the frequency of cleaning. And always inspect your gutters after a storm or heavy winds to ensure they haven’t sustained damage.