Cleaning gutters is a crucial part of home maintenance, ensuring that water flows away from your home properly to prevent damage to your roof, walls, and foundation. Many homeowners install gutter guards to reduce the frequency of cleaning and prevent debris from clogging their gutters.
However, even with gutter guards, it’s essential to clean your gutters regularly to maintain their effectiveness. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of cleaning gutters with pre-existing gutter guards and discuss why, in many cases, it’s easier to call a professional gutter cleaning company.
Why Gutter Guards Still Need Cleaning
Gutter guards are designed to keep large debris, such as leaves and twigs, out of your gutters. While they are effective at reducing the amount of debris that enters the gutter, they don’t eliminate the need for cleaning altogether.
Over time, smaller particles like dirt, shingle granules, and seeds can still accumulate in your gutters, leading to potential blockages. Additionally, debris can accumulate on top of the guards, eventually breaking down and causing water to overflow during heavy rain.
Steps to Clean Gutters with Gutter Guards
If you’re determined to clean your gutters yourself, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it safely and effectively:
- Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a sturdy ladder, a bucket or tarp to collect debris, a garden hose, a gutter scoop or small trowel, and gloves to protect your hands. Ensure that your ladder is stable and placed on a level surface before you begin.
- Inspect the Gutter Guards: Before removing any debris, inspect the condition of your gutter guards. Look for any areas where they might have come loose or become damaged. If you find any issues, you might need to repair or replace the guards before proceeding with the cleaning.
- Remove Surface Debris: Start by clearing away any debris that has accumulated on top of the gutter guards. Use a leaf blower or a gloved hand to gently remove the leaves, twigs, and other debris from the surface. Be careful not to damage the gutter guards in the process.
- Lift the Guards Carefully: Depending on the type of gutter guards installed, you may need to lift or remove them to clean the gutters thoroughly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing the guards. If they are attached with screws, use a screwdriver to gently remove them. If the guards are snap-on, carefully lift them to avoid bending or breaking them.
- Clean the Gutters: With the guards removed, use a gutter scoop or small trowel to remove any debris that has collected inside the gutters. Place the debris in a bucket or tarp for easy disposal. Once the large debris is cleared, use a garden hose to flush out the gutters, ensuring that water flows freely through the downspouts.
- Reinstall the Guards: After cleaning, carefully reattach the gutter guards, making sure they are securely in place. Double-check that there are no gaps where debris could enter the gutters.
- Final Inspection: After the guards are back in place, inspect your work to ensure that everything is clean and secure. Check for any potential problem areas that might require attention in the future.
Why Hiring a Professional Gutter Company is Easier
While cleaning gutters with gutter guards is certainly doable, it can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task, especially if you’re not comfortable working on a ladder or dealing with hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, improper removal or reinstallation of gutter guards can cause damage, leading to costly repairs down the line.
That’s why many homeowners find it easier and more efficient to hire a professional gutter cleaning company. Professionals have the right tools, experience, and expertise to clean your gutters thoroughly without damaging your gutter guards or home. They can also identify any issues that might need repair, saving you from potential headaches in the future.
In conclusion, while you can clean gutters with gutter guards yourself, it’s often simpler and more cost-effective to leave it to the professionals. By hiring a gutter cleaning company like Auravex Gutters, you can ensure that your gutters are clean, functioning properly, and protecting your home as they should.