Gutters protect your roof, siding, and foundation by directing rainwater away from your home. They collect rainwater from the roof and channel it through downspouts away from the foundation of your home, protecting its curb appeal. To reduce clogs and maintain the gutter system, many homeowners install gutter guards, which help block debris from entering the system. However, even with guards, regular cleaning is necessary to ensure optimal performance.

What are Gutter Guards?

Gutter guards shield the gutters, preventing the entry of small debris, dirt, and other waste and reducing the hassle of frequent gutter cleaning. However, even this effective solution doesn’t eliminate the need to maintain the gutters. Over time, miscellaneous waste can reach the shielded gutters, minimizing their functional efficiency.

When To Seek Professional Help

Chicago’s climate presents unique challenges for homeowners when it comes to maintaining the gutter systems. Heavy rainfall and storms can clog the gutters with debris or destroy them. However, professionals offering top Gutter Repair in Chicago, IL, are always poised for action to help you repair the system on time, protecting your home from water damage. Moreover, learn the signs that indicate the time has come to call for professional gutter cleaning.

Persistent Leaks: If you notice water persistently dribbling from your gutters even after cleaning, this is a sign of a serious issue, such as a crack or hole in the gutter system.

Sagging Gutters: Gutters that are displaced from their original position need immediate repair from professionals. This happens when the gutters become heavy due to heavy debris.

Water Pooling Around Your Foundation: After a rainstorm, if you notice water pooling around your home, this could mean that your gutters are not functioning properly and require attention from professionals.

Tools You Will Need

A few easily available tools are essential to clean the gutters with guards. These include:

Ladder: A ladder to reach the gutters.

Gloves: Durable gloves for safety from harmful waste.

Garden hose with spray nozzle: To rinse away dirt and flush out gutters.

Soft brush or gutter cleaning tool: To clear stubborn debris from the guard surface.

Bucket or trash bag: To collect accumulated debris.

Safety glasses (recommended): To protect your eyes from debris and water spray.

Step-By-Step Cleaning Procedure

Although cleaning the gutter system can seem easy, it requires careful steps to follow. Otherwise, overlooking the security standards leads to injuries and severe damage to the gutter systems and property. Follow this detailed guide to clean gutters with the gutter guards:

Inspect Gutters And Guards

A careful inspection of the gutters is required to pinpoint the blockage area and damage. Always use a stable ladder to reach a height where you can easily notice the sections needing repair. Keep it hassle-free by calling the professionals to inspect the gutters safely.

Clear Debris From The Top Of The Gutter Guards

Wear safety gloves and eyeglasses, and dust the guards to remove the larger debris. Use your hands only to remove stubborn waste, but avoid damaging the guards to prevent costly repairs. Also, debris should be collected in a bucket to keep the workplace clean.

Flush Gutters With Water

After removing the big chunks of waste, use a garden hose and a spray nozzle to spray water along the gutters. This will remove the small debris trapped underneath the guards. Check if the water flows freely from the downspouts.

Clean Underneath The Gutter Guards (If Accessible)

A few gutter guard types can easily be lifted, providing access to the guard surface for easy cleaning. If you have also installed the same types, carefully lift the guard and remove the debris. Rinse the surface with water.

Check Downspouts

If the downspouts are clogged, water will not flow to the ground. They are usually clogged near the elbows. Use a pressure water jet to spray water into the drainpipes and check if it backs up or flows easily. A plumber’s snake can also be employed to remove obstructions.

Inspect For Damage And Make Repairs

After cleaning, inspect the gutters again to test if they are functioning correctly. In case repairs are required, call for professional help to ensure that gutters continue to protect your home from water damage.

Additional Gutter Maintenance Tips For Homeowners:

Go through the following tips that homeowners should follow to maintain and extend the life of gutters.

Regular Inspection: Schedule gutter guard inspections in spring and fall. Early detection of damage and its proper solution saves you from costly repairs.

Trim Overhanging Branches: Trees surrounding your home can drop twigs onto your gutters. Cut the branches regularly to keep gutters free from leaves and twigs.

Consider Professional Cleaning: Opting for professional gutter cleaning quickly addresses gutter damage, ensuring the systems continue to protect your home from water damage.

Install the High Quality Gutter System: Invest in a premium gutter guard system that makes cleaning easy and reduces maintenance costs.

Mistakes To Avoid:

When performing gutter cleaning, a few mistakes must be avoided. Otherwise, get ready for a costly repair, as these mistakes can lead to severe damage to the system. Ensure that you are avoiding the mistakes mentioned below:

Avoiding Safety Measures

Don’t be quick to inspect the gutter systems. Wear gloves and eyeglasses first. Failure to handle waste that contains sharp objects can lead to soft tissue injuries. And remember to position the ladder properly.

Using The Wrong Tools

Always use the professionally recommended tools to avoid damaging the gutter systems. High water pressure or the wrong tools to clean downspouts can cause gutters to be displaced. Also, clean the gutters gently, not harshly.

Improper Upkeep

Schedule a professional gutter inspection and cleaning every six months. Over time, the channels become loaded with heavy waste, leading to blockage and ineffective system functioning.

Conclusion

The proper Gutter upkeep shields your home’s foundation, roof, and aesthetics from water damage. Regularly inspect the gutter systems, even if you have installed gutter guards. This is required to take timely measures to increase the life expectancy of your gutter guards. Also, avoid DIY tips if you notice severe damage to the systems. Not following the proper procedure can increase damage. Thus, always seek help from professionals to get the system repaired properly and prevent further damage.