A healthy, clean gutter helps to improve a home's appearance and overall weatherproofing. By directing rainfall away from buildings, gutters help protect foundations, walkways and siding, and maintain the property's value.

Gutters function as part of a building’s overall weatherproofing system. They direct rainfall away from buildings to protect foundations, walkways, and siding. To avoid costly repairs and roof damage, gutter systems should be thorough cleaned twice a year. In most cases, early spring and fall are the best times of the year for gutter cleaning.

Begin gutter cleaning by scooping out leaves, sticks, mud, pine needles, and other debris that may be clogging gutters and spouts. Particular attention should be given to clearing the drain outlet so any water in the gutter system is removed prior to pressure washing.

Clean the length of the gutter with a pressure washer taking care to avoid splattering mud and grime in the process. Work toward the drain outlet as you power wash away dirt and debris. Telescoping wands and flexible gutter cleaning tools make cleaning remote areas from the ground a snap. These specially designed pressure washer attachments allow high areas to be cleaned with no loss of pressure. Additionally, gutter cleaners can be bent to conform to a variety of shapes for easy access to any area. The majority of the weight of telescoping wands is easily supported by wand belts for easy, comfortable operation.

If water fails to drain freely from the gutters during power washing, obstructions in drainpipes must be cleared. Applying water with increased pressure may force water through the debris clogging the down spout. If flushing fails even at higher pressures, a plumbing snake may be used to clear the clog from the bottom up. As a last resort, disassemble the spout and clean it directly.

Thoroughly rinsing gutters with clean water from top to bottom completes the gutter cleaning process. Gutters are left clean, functional, and ready to channel water away to protect your home from damage.

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