Eavestrough Cleaning That Every Homeowner Needs
Eavestrough Cleaning your eaves troughs might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about home maintenance, but it is one of the most important. Gutters, which are also called eavestroughs, are meant to direct rainwater and melted snow away from your roof and foundation. If you don't clean and care for these important drainage systems, they can get clogged with dirt, leaves, twigs, and other trash. When this happens, it can be very expensive, with things like roof leaks and damage to the structure of your home.
Why It's Important to Clean Your Eavestrough
Your home's first line of defense against water damage is the eavestroughs. They keep water from getting into your house and flooding it or eroding the foundation when they work right. But if they get clogged or aren't taken care of, they can cause a lot of problems that go beyond just being annoying.
Why it's important to clean your eavestrough
Keeps Your Foundation Safe:
Water that overflows can soak into the ground and weaken the foundation of your home.
Keeps the roof and siding from getting mold, mildew, and wood rot.
Keeps Landscaping Safe:
Gutters stop water from washing away soil and hurting gardens.
Keeps Basements from Flooding:
Clean eavestroughs keep water from getting into basements.
Increases Longevity:
A gutter system that is well-maintained lasts longer and costs less to fix.
When you clean your eavestroughs, think of it as an investment in the safety, comfort, and value of your home.
How often should you clean your eaves troughs?
Most experts say you should clean your eavestroughs twice a year: once in the spring after the flowers and pollen have fallen, and once in the fall after the leaves have fallen. But the location and environment of your home can affect how often this needs to be done.
Homes close to trees may need to be cleaned every two to three months.
In areas with a lot of rain or snow, maintenance needs to be done more often to keep ice dams and water from overflowing.
Flat roofs need more care because they collect more junk.
It's also important to check things regularly after storms. Strong winds can blow sticks, leaves, and even plastic bags into your gutters, which can cause them to get stuck.
How to Tell If Your Eavestroughs Need Cleaning
It's important to plan seasonal cleanings, but you should never ignore these warning signs:
Water spilling over the edges means that your gutters are probably clogged.
Debris buildup adds weight, which makes gutters sag or come loose.
Water stains on walls mean that the drainage isn't working right.
Mold or mildew growth is common when water collects near the foundation.
Insects, birds, or plants in gutters Debris piles up to make nests and good soil for seeds.
Finding these signs early can help you avoid expensive repairs later.
Cleaning your own eaves troughs vs. hiring a pro
You have two choices when it comes to cleaning eavestroughs:
Do it yourself or hire someone else to do it.
Cleaning on your own
Doing it yourself saves money and gives you direct control. But it takes time, work, and the right tools.
At the very least, you'll need:
A strong ladder
Gloves for work
A trash bag or a bucket
A small trowel or gutter scoop
A garden hose for flushing debris
While DIY cleaning works for single-story homes with easy access, it can be dangerous for multi-story houses.People often fall off ladders in their homes.
Cleaning Eavestroughs by Professionals
When you hire professionals, you can be sure that the job will be done safely and completely. Professionals use special tools, look for leaks or damage, and may even put up gutter guards. It costs more, but it saves time and lowers the chance of accidents.
Most homeowners find that a mix of doing their own repairs and hiring a professional to clean once in a while works best.
How to Clean Your Eavestroughs Well
If you want to clean your eaves troughs yourself, these are the easy steps to follow:
Use a stabilizer to keep your ladder from slipping when you set it up.
Pick up big pieces of trash by hand. Wear gloves to keep sharp sticks and bugs away.
Use a gutter scoop or small garden trowel to scoop up smaller debris.
Flush with water. Use a hose to check that the water is flowing correctly and to find any leaks.
Check your downspouts to make sure they are clear and draining properly.
Look for holes, rust, or loose brackets to see if there is any damage.
Adding gutter guards can also cut down on how often you have to clean, but they don't completely get rid of the need for maintenance.
Mistakes that many homeowners make
Many homeowners make mistakes when cleaning their eavestroughs, even if they mean well.
Here are the most common ones:
Waiting too long once-a-year cleaning isn't always enough.
Not paying attention to small leaks can lead to big problems.
Not securing ladders properly can lead to accidents.
Not looking at the downspouts clogged downspouts can cause problems even if the gutters are clear.
Not wearing safety gear gloves and goggles keep you safe from sharp things and germs.
You can make your cleaning safer and more effective by not making these mistakes.
How Much It Costs to Not Clean Your Eavestrough
It can cost a lot more to not clean your eavestroughs than to do regular maintenance.
Possible costs are:
Roof repairs cost between $1,000 and $5,000 or more for water damage.
If water erosion causes cracks, fixing the foundation can cost between $5,000 and $20,000.
Basement waterproofing costs between $3,000 and $15,000 because of flooding.
Replacing the siding will cost between $2,000 and $10,000 if water stains and rot spread.
Cleaning your eaves troughs by a professional costs between $100 and $300, which is a good deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often should I clean the gutters in my house?
At least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. You may need to clean your house more often if there are trees around it.
Q2: Is it possible for me to clean the eaves troughs myself?
Yes, but you need the right tools and safety measures. If your house has more than one floor, it's best to hire professionals.
Q3: What happens if I don't clean my gutters?
You could have water overflow, roof leaks, damage to your foundation, mold growth, and even bugs.
Q4: Do you think gutter guards are worth it?
Yes, they keep some debris out of your gutters, but they don't get rid of the need to clean them completely.
Q5: How can I tell if my eaves troughs are blocked?
Look for water that is overflowing, gutters that are sagging, or plants that are growing in them.
Q6: How much does it cost to have a professional clean your eavestroughs?
Usually between $100 and $300, depending on how big your house is and how much junk is in it.
Q7: Is it different to clean eavestroughs in the winter?
Yes, ice dams and snow buildup happen in the winter. Cleaning up in the fall can help with these problems.
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