15 Jul 9 Tips on Gutter Cleaning This Fall

Keeping your gutters clean in the fall can mean less of a headache come winter and even spring. But gutter cleaning is a pain in the backside for many people since it means moving ladders, positioning them just right to be able to reach the maximum length needed for proper gutter cleaning, and so on. Hiring someone to clean your gutters in Pittsburgh is pretty simple since there are many companies that will gladly come out and perform a gutter cleaning in a thorough and professional manner. 

Proper gutter installation might even make it necessary to only perform this chore a couple of times a year, if not less. Gutter cleaning is a laborious and very tedious process for a lot of people, but it’s absolutely necessary for the welfare of your home. With that in mind, here are a few tips on gutter cleaning that could help preserve your home this coming fall. 

These tips are meant to help you understand the importance of gutter cleaning and to make you aware of the many options that are out there when it comes to cleaning your gutters in Pittsburgh. 

1. Perform a thorough gutter cleaning

This is the simplest way to say it really; just clean your gutters as thoroughly and as routinely as you can in order to keep leaves and other detritus from clogging up your gutters and downspouts. It’s wise to lay out a tarp on the ground below during gutter cleaning and to wear gloves just in case there are any items or critters that have the potential to cause harm. Otherwise, your hands or a scoop are advised when cleaning out your gutters. This is also dependent on how much room there is between the gutter and your roofline. 

2. Hire a professional gutter cleaner

Gutters in Pittsburgh need cleaning just as they do anywhere else, and there are plenty of places to choose from. Do your research and find out which service will give you the best deal and which ones aren’t bound to be booked this coming fall, since plenty of people tend to use various services for their gutter cleaning needs since the process is one that they don’t happen to enjoy. Like it or not, this is a very messy job at times that can be a little demanding when it comes to the time and effort that needs to be put into it. 

3. Trim any nearby trees

This could involve taking off a few smaller limbs that might hang over or near the gutters, but unless you’re willing to take down your own trees entirely, the best you can do is remove a few limbs that might hang closest to your gutters. A lot of gutter cleaning has to do with fallen leaves that make their way into the gutter and then sit there since they’re either too big to be easily moved by anything less than a scoop, hand, or blast of water from a hose or a pressure washer. Unfortunately, leaves are a big reason why gutters and downspouts become clogged in the first place. 

4. Try investing in a gutter guard

Be selective when it comes to finding a gutter guard however, as a few of them might lead to more gutter cleaning than others and might be more of a hassle than they’re worth. A gutter guard can be added during a gutter installation as well, but it’s still necessary to clean them off from time to time as they guard against debris falling into your gutter and causing a backup. If a gutter guard isn’t cleaned off properly then the problem will persist. 

5. A new gutter installation could help

This is typically reserved for cases where gutter cleaning and repair simply isn’t going to solve the problem. Gutter installation can be pricey and should be given a great deal of consideration before going this route. That being said, it can add a great deal of curb appeal to your home and it can come with a system that makes things a bit easier when it comes to gutter cleaning and maintenance. 

6. Keep your downspouts clear

This is a good habit to get into when it comes to taking care of your gutters. Gutter cleaners in Pittsburgh will typically make certain that your downspouts are unclogged and working as they should, and are draining well away from the home so as to keep the foundation and siding as secure as possible. Gutter cleaning typically involves clearing out the downspouts in order to maintain the flow of water through your gutters. 

7. Foam inserts can be a good idea

This is essentially another type of gutter guard, but unlike a mesh guard, this is a sponge-like insert that is usually triangular in design and can be installed fairly easily. Much like any other gutter guard however it will need to be cleaned off occasionally in order to keep it working as it should, as the rainwater and runoff will seep through the foam, but debris can pile up and ruin the efficiency of this method. 

8. Try surface-tension hoods

This is pretty much what it sounds like as it is a device that ‘hoods’ your gutter and keeps debris from falling down into it. But much like the foam insert, it can be overwhelmed by too much debris or too great a volume of water. This is something that can also be installed during a routine gutter installation and is quite useful when cleaned off regularly. 

9. Flush your gutters at least once or twice a month, if not more

Depending on how much debris your gutter collects it might be wise to tackle this job a few times a month or as needed. In order to keep your gutters working as they should, flushing them out to make certain that they’re flowing right is necessary, and the removal of any debris is needed in order to keep them clean and functional. 

Wrapping Up

Gutter cleaning isn’t typically a fun or exciting process, but it does need to be done from time to time. The good news is that you should be able to find someone in your area that can help you out, and there are ways to help make this chore a little easier.