Guttering is important for protecting your home against the elements. How often you need to clear them out depends on a few things, like the time of year and how close you live to trees. It’s recommended to take care of these fixtures twice a year, once in the late spring and again in Autumn. So, how do you keep them clear?
What You’ll Need To Clean The Guttering
- Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
- Outdoor gloves
- Bin bag or garden bucket
- Scoop
- Extending ladder
- Garden hose
How Long Will Clearing The Guttering Take?
Approx. 1-3 hours, depending on the size of the building.
How Much Does It Cost?
Low cost if you have the materials. Approximately £100-£300 to include the cost of ladders.
Step 1. Get Dressed For The Occasion
Working at a height can be quite tricky, so you should be prepared. It’s inevitable that cleaning the guttering is going to be a messy job, so put on clothes you don’t mind getting mucky or wet. Make sure you put on protective gloves too, because you’ll be touching outdoor debris which could include sharp twigs or thorns.
Step 2. Set Up The Ladders
After that, you’ll need to set up the ladders so they’re sturdy and safe alongside the guttering. Getting someone to assist you may be helpful, as they can give extra security at the base. It’s important to note that you should only attempt to clean your gutters if you feel safe to do so. If your house is multiple storeys, it’s worth hiring professionals.
Step 3. Have Equipment At The Ready
Next, it’s important to have everything in place for when you’re on the ladder. This may include attaching a bucket or bin bag to the ladder to chuck the guttering rubbish into. If you prefer, you may feel more comfortable letting the debris fall to the ground and cleaning it up after. Ensure you have the scoop within easy reach, as when you’re up there you shouldn’t be leaning to get it.
Step 4. Remove Debris
Now you’re ready to get up to the guttering, it’s time to start the clearing process. It’s going to be easier to get all the bigger bits out by hand. Reach your gloved hands in to remove all the clumps of leaves, small branches or even the odd tennis ball. Move the ladders frequently to avoid leaning too far over.
Once you’ve got the main build-up of debris out of the way, it’s time to tackle the little bits. You can use the scoop for this to help you get any smaller leaves out.
Step 5. Flush The Gutters And Downpipes
Finally, now you’ve cleared most of the guttering, a flow of water will help clear out all the hard-to-reach debris that you missed. All that work should’ve dislodged the smaller pieces and now they can be flushed away. You can do this easily with a garden hose when you direct it inside. Don’t forget the downpipes either!
Contact Direct Maintenance Services Today
If you’ve discovered that your guttering is looking a little worse for wear and clearing it won’t get them looking their best, contact our team today. We provide quality installation and repairs service to keep your property in the best condition. We can also help with fascias and soffits installation or maintenance, so get in touch with Direct Maintenance Services without delay to book your service.
