As the fall season approaches and trees begin to shed their leaves, your eavestrough will get clogged, reducing and blocking the flow of water.
During the rainy season, it’s important to keep your gutters clear of any debris, leaves, and branches to ensure the water has somewhere to go to and to prevent any damages to your roof.
Failing to have a proper water channel can cause problems when the winter months arrive. When snow melts on the roof and has no way to escape, it will refreeze and create ice dams where the gutters meet the fascia.
The ice will push the gutters away from the roofs edge, creating a gap and preventing the eavestrough from doing its job.
No homeowner likes doing chores, especially if they involve climbing up a ladder and removing dead leaves and branches. However, taking the time to make sure your eavestroughs are clean will save you the headache and expense of fixing the damages caused by clogged gutters.
Safety First
No matter how high or low your eavestroughs are, you’ll need to get on a ladder to clean them properly.
Although it can be annoying to move the ladder often, don’t lean out past the sides of the ladder or attempt to remove the gunk from the top of the roof.
Not only will your productivity decrease, but the chances of getting injured are much higher. Using a ladder stabilizer will make the job easier for you and protect the eavestrough from suffering any damages during the cleaning process.
Inspect the Eavestrough for Any Damages
Before starting the cleaning process, it’s important to look at the state of the gutters to ensure no accidents take you by surprise.
Look for broken or damaged hangers, water dripping from the middle of the eavestrough, sagging gutters, and water stains. These are all telltale signs that your gutter is clogged and in need of a deep clean.
If you find a problem with your eavestrough, such as holes or rotting fascia, you’re better off leaving it to the professionals.
Use the Right Tools
Performing eavestrough maintenance can be a messy task, since you’ll have to scoop out mushed up leaves, mud, and twigs.
To make the job easier, place a tarp on the ground that can collect everything you throw. You could also take a bucket with you up the ladder, although this may make the process more tedious if there’s a lot of debris to be removed.
Wearing the right clothes is important in keeping you safe. Make sure you have a long-sleeved shirt on and thick gloves to protect your hands.
Once you’re at the level of the eavestrough, you’ll have to scoop out the gunk manually. Using only your hands draws out the process and is generally an off-putting experience. Instead, invest in a gutter scooper, which can be found at your local hardware store.
Alternatively, consider hiring your local roof maintenance professionals for eavestrough maintenance.
Professional Ottawa Eavestrough Maintenance
Eavestroughs are an essential component of your roofing system, as they divert water away from your home.
Having clogged and unclean gutters prevents water from draining properly, which can cause all sorts of damage to your home. To make sure your home is protected from water damage, it’s recommended that gutters get professionally cleaned twice a year, during the fall and late spring.
Our experts at LG Pro Roofing System are equipped with special tools that will remove any gunk out of your gutters as well as any potential hazards. We strive to provide the best results possible in a timely and efficient manner.
Get in touch with us to learn more about our eavestrough maintenance services and get a free, no obligation quote today.