Summer is around the corner in the beautiful Shonomish County. Summertime is the season for barbecues and backyard fun. But it can also be the season for gutter maintenance.
Gutters protect your home from water damage by diverting excess water away from the structure. Over time, debris and dirt can clog up your gutters, causing water to back up, leak through and potentially cause rot or mold to grow on your roof line.
It's best to clean out your gutters and downspouts at least once a year to prevent this from happening. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways you can do it yourself — without needing a ladder or climbing equipment. Here are some tips for cleaning out your gutters this summer:
Use a leaf blower: If you have an outdoor outlet close by, consider using an electric leaf blower to blow out leaves, pine needles and other debris that's clogging up your gutters and downspouts. This will help keep them flowing freely all summer long — without using any chemicals that could hurt plants or wildlife in your yard.
Use a power washer: If you don't have an outdoor outlet nearby but still want to use an electric leaf blower instead of scrubbing out your gutters with a brush and bucket (or even just hose)
Clean them regularly – Cleaning your gutters at least once a year will help prevent clogs, which can lead to water damage in your home.
Replace damaged parts – Damaged metal parts should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid water leaks and potential mold growth.
Check for leaks – If you see water coming from downspouts, it may be time to check for cracks or holes in the pipes that lead from your roof downspouts into the ground. Leaks in this part of your gutter system can lead to rot and eventual failure of the entire system.
