It’s easy to let something like clogged gutters slide. After all, the problem is out of sight, so why not put it out of mind?
The truth is that clogged gutters can cause residual damage that is unlikely to be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. It’s better to invest in gutter maintenance now than pay out of pocket for water damage, foundation cracks, and more.
So, how do you deal with clogged gutters? What is the best way to get rid of all that built-up gutter debris?
Read on for our quick and simple guide for basic gutter maintenance.
Cleaning Out Gutter Debris
There are a few different ways that you can remove gutter debris. With the right extension and a garden hose, you can clean moderate clogs from the ground. Keep in mind that this will only work if the gutter debris isn’t tightly packed.
If the debris has become compacted, you will need to grab a ladder and a pair of gloves, as well as a bucket or a pressure washer. If you don’t have a pressure washer, secure the bucket at the top of your ladder and remove the debris by hand before rinsing away any remaining dirt with your garden hose. If you do have a pressure washer, you can blast both the debris and the dirt at the same time, but make sure to block off the downspout first to prevent the debris from clogging it.
Breaking Through a Downspout Clog
After you’ve cleared away the gutter debris, you will want to make sure that your downspout is clear, too. Spray water from your garden hose in the direction of the downspout and look for signs of a clog. If the water comes out in a slow trickle or doesn’t come out at all, there is debris blocking its passage.
If you have a pressure washer, you can blast the downspout above to flush out the debris. If not, you will need a plumber’s snake to break up the clog so that you can flush it out with a standard hose.
Assessing Any Residual Damage from Clogged Gutters
If your gutters have been clogged for quite some time, you may also have residual roof damage on your hands. Schedule a roof inspection or roof repair services to assess and address any roof issues. Keep in mind that roof damage can also lead to interior or foundation problems that your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover if you neglect to remediate ASAP.
Call Residential Roofing for Your Georgia Roofing Needs
If you’re noticing the signs of clogged gutters, it’s time to act fast. Clearing away gutter debris and flushing out your downspout is an important part of gutter maintenance and home maintenance at large.
If you’re looking at roof damage or gutter issues that you can’t tackle on your own, it’s time to call in the pros. Contact us at Residential Roofing to get a free quote fast.