Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts are important components to your home that help your roofing system do its job! 

That being said, it’s that season when the leaves are falling and proper maintenance and cleaning of your home’s gutters and downspouts helps prevent damage to your home’s interior due to flooding through the foundation and walls or leaks in the roof due to seepage of water.

Here are a few tips to get you on your way:

Step 1 - Gather Tools and Pick a Starting Spot
Bring your tools and equipment to a location near your starting place. The corners of the home are good starting locations since this is where the downspouts are typically located. It’s best to start near the downspout and work away from it to avoid pushing additional debris into it.
Use work gloves to protect your hands and have a handy trash bag to collect debris that you have attached to your ladder.

Step 2 - Remove Large Debris
Begin at the part of the gutter closest to the downspout. Use a garden trowel or hand spade to scoop out the debris. Place it into trash bag. Remove pieces by hand that you can’t get easily with your tools.

Step 3 - Rinse the Gutter
Once you have removed all of the larger debris, get the garden hose. Rinse the gutter in the direction of the downspout using the spraying attachment on the hose. Spray the gutter until no signs of debris remain.

Step 4 - Clear Clogs
If the downspout is clogged, you will need to clear it. Three options are available to you. Simply try each one until you find one that works. It’s probably easiest to begin by using the spray attachment on the hose to direct water into the downspout from the bottom end. This may force any clogs loose. Additionally, you can use the spray attachment on the hose to direct water into the downspout from the upper end. This may also knock the clog loose. If that does not work, then you need to work a plumber’s snake into the downspout to loosen the debris and draw the debris out.

Step 4 - Find and Repair Damage
Inspect the gutters and downspouts now for any signs of damage. Look for holes, dents, or cracks.If you discover any signs of damage, repair them as soon as possible.

Step 5 - Install Guards
Many places sell accessories for your gutters and downspouts that can help reduce the time needed to complete the task of cleaning the gutters and downspouts. A variety of protectors are on the market that will deflect the leaves and other debris from the gutters. 
For all your roofing concerns, please call my professional team at Class Eh! Roofinf and we would be pleased to assist!
Call: 289-687-6924
​Email: classehroofing@gmail.com

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