How to clean my guttering

Leaves and other debris clogging up your gutters not only looks unsightly but can also make it easier for rainwater to enter the property and cause damage to your ceilings, windows and walls. If you’re wondering “How to clean my guttering”, you’re not alone. Many people know they need to clean their gutters regularly but aren’t sure how to go about it. Read on to find out more.  

5 steps for cleaning guttering

“How to clean my guttering” is a commonly searched-for term online. This is because lots of people would rather do it themselves than spend hundreds of pounds getting it done professionally. The good news is that cleaning your gutters doesn’t have to be a very difficult task. Keep reading to learn how to clean your guttering to ensure it looks and functions at its best.

• Make sure your ladder is suitable. Firstly, you should only ever attempt to clean your gutters if you have a sturdy ladder. Inspect it thoroughly to make sure it’s safe to use, and also check the weight limit to ensure you’re not going to overload it. Your ladder should also be the right height to allow you to comfortably and safely access the guttering. For a single-storey home like a bungalow, stepladders may be sufficient. However, for a two-storey property, an extension ladder will probably be required.  
• Take an empty bucket up the ladder. Work your way around the gutters and scoop out as much debris as possible. To do this, you can either use gloved hands or a garden trowel.
• Wash out the gutters using a hose. Start at the end nearest to the downspout, spray the entire channel length, and then work your way back to the downspout. Keep in mind that this can be a messy job. You may want to use a stiff brush to get rid of stubborn grime. 
• Dislodge any blockages. If water isn’t flowing through the drainpipes, there could be an obstruction. To clear it, you could try directing the hosepipe down the pipe in order to dislodge it. If this isn’t successful, you could insert a drain auger, also known as a drain snake or plumbing snake, to remove clogs. 
• Consider buying leaf guards. Installing leaf guards can prevent leaves from going down the outlets and causing blockages. Gutter hedgehogs are another option for preventing gutters from becoming blocked with leaves. 

How often should I clean my guttering?

Cleaning your gutters regularly can help to keep them functioning optimally. Ideally, you should clean them twice a year, in spring and then again in Autumn. Although, depending on what type of foliage you have nearby to your home, you may want to clean them every three months instead. Pine trees, in particular, can be problematic for guttering. Pine needles can easily find their way you’re your guttering, causing serious blockages in some cases. 

The biggest signs you need new guttering 

Gutters can easily become dirty, grimy and blocked with leaves, twigs and other debris. They can also become damaged too, in which case you’ll need to replace them. Damage can often result due to debris weighing too much for the gutters and causing them to sag or fall apart at the seams. Here are some of the biggest signs your guttering needs to be replaced. 

• Cracks and splits. If you can see any cracks or splits in the plastic, this is a good sign your guttering has reached the end of its life. Gutters with large breaks should be replaced immediately, but even small cracks should not be ignored. This is because they will only get bigger over time. This process will be faster over winter when the water inside the fractures turns into ice and causes them to expand.
• Overflowing water. If your gutters are overflowing but water is still coming out of the downpipe, this could mean that they are not angled correctly, haven’t been fitted properly or are too narrow for the property. In the latter case, you’ll need to replace them with more suitable gutters.
• Water damage around the gutters. If you can see signs of water damage either underneath or around the gutters, this is should be a concern. Water stains, mould or peeling paint on your exterior walls are all signs that your gutters need replacing as soon as possible.
• Peeling paint. If your property has galvanised steel gutters, a special coating will have been applied to protect them from water penetration. So, if this paint has started to peel or flake, this may mean that rainwater has been able to reach the metal. Rust is also a good sign your gutters are in bad shape.

Guttering in Louth 

Don’t ignore problems with your home’s guttering. If you suspect you need new gutters or would simply like them inspected, it’s best to contact a reputable roofing company. At Raven Roofing and Repairs, we’re the first point of call for guttering in Louth, providing a range of services including gutter installation and replacement. 

We can also remove and replace Finlock gutters, which were commonly installed on properties dated between 1950 and 1970. We’re renowned for using the best quality products and for carrying out our work to the highest possible standards. Our uPVC gutters come with a full guarantee, providing you with complete peace of mind. 

Contact us

Now that you know the answer to “How to clean my guttering?”, you may be looking for guttering services. If you need expert assistance with your guttering in Louth, get in touch with Raven Roofing and Repairs today. Call us on 01507 640 072 to discuss your requirements with one of our team. You can also reach us by sending us a message via the website and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.