As the saying goes – April showers bring May flowers! With more rain in the springtime months of April and May, now’s the perfect opportunity to get your rain gutters in tip-top shape. As a homeowner, you’re probably wondering what the best way would be to maintain those gutters—and I’ve got the answer for you! I’ve compiled a handy list of tips that will help you to save money by doing it yourself, so that you can simply enjoy the rain once it comes.
Protect yourself: Thick, heavy gloves are a must when performing this kind of task. Gutters may have sharp or jagged metal pieces as well as screws or nails that may pose a danger to your hands and fingers. Want additional
protection? Safety glasses are also a good idea!
Maintenance means everything: Ideally, you should clean your gutters twice per year. Maintaining clean gutters will help you to avoid drainage problems that could potentially lead to more costly repairs.
Climb on up: Borrowing (or investing in) a good, sturdy ladder is the key to ensuring your personal safety and to making the task as hassle-free as possible. Make sure that the ladder is placed on a flat, steady surface, and
follow the rule of two: never stand on the top two rungs of a ladder, as it becomes very difficult to maintain your balance.
Scoop, blast and repair: Once you’re ready to start cleaning, follow a simple three-step process to get the most out of the task. Scoop out any debris, blast the drains clean with a high-powered hose, and repair any leaks you
may find along the way.
Up on the roof: Santa might find rooftops to be a walk in the park, but for the rest of us, they aren’t generally ideal perches. However, if you have a flat roof or a roof with a low slope, you may find it easier to accomplish the cleaning by situating yourself up top. Always use extreme caution, wear non-slip shoes, and never opt for this choice in bad weather!
