Keeping a house well maintained is essential for preventing large, expensive repairs. One area of regular maintenance that a home inspector will often highlight is cleaning the gutter system. Why is this so important? One reason is that just a few inches of rain on a roof can produce thousands of gallons of water runoff. If this water is not diverted away from the foundations of the house, you could begin to experience issues commonly associated with moisture intrusion, like mold and wood rot.
How to go about cleaning your gutters. Safety should come first and foremost. If you are going to clean the gutters yourself, you will need to take the proper safety precautions. Wear sturdy footwear and a pair of protective gloves. You do not know what kind of dirt and debris awaits you, and there may be sharp objects or even insects and small animals, so it is not a good idea to use your bare hands. The ladder should be securely footed. Ideally, you will want to have another person with you who can support the ladder.
Gutter and downspout cleaning usually requires a lot of water. Ensure that the water is directed away from the house to avoid an over-saturation of the soil around the foundations.
Downspouts should also be given some attention. Check that they are firmly fixed to the house and properly connected to the gutter. Often downspouts have been accidentally installed upside down, making them more likely to leak, so this is another thing to check. Finally, inspect downspouts for signs of damage as vehicles tend to bump into them accidentally.