5 Tips for DIY Gutter Cleaning This Spring

May 10, 2023Blog, Gutter Cleaning, Gutters, Minneapolis

Each spring, homeowners all over the U.S. find themselves thinking about cleaning their roofs and gutters. In fact, spring is the perfect time of year to get a roof inspection from a professional roofing company in Minneapolis. To help get you started, here are 5 tips to help with your DIY Spring gutter cleaning!

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Check the Conditions of Your Gutters Regularly

At the start of our gutter cleaning tips list comes the most obvious, and that is examining the current situation of our gutters. Even the best gutter guard systems can require maintenance once a year. Thus, making sure that our gutters are in good condition is essential to know what we are required to do for cleaning and maintaining them. If you don’t have a good view of your gutters, we advise that you utilize your ladder and have a check from the roof if the weather conditions are suitable. Always try to get someone to assist you while using a ladder for maximum safety!

Examine the Water Flow of Your Gutter System

Rain gutter covers may look undamaged and in good condition, however, there can still be displacements in the gutter positions below them. The main culprit for this is heavy weather conditions such as hails, heavy rain, gusts, tornados, and heavy snowfall. Extreme heat can also cause this by extending the distance between the gutters and iron holders. To get a better feeling of your water flow it is best to test it by simply pouring an adequate amount of water on your gutter system. Additionally, you can try lifting the rain gutter covers if you suspect a heavy alteration in a specific section of your gutters.

Know the Trees Surrounding Your Home

When taking care of your roof, gutters, and home exterior in general, it is best to be aware of your surrounding habitat. Knowing which type of plantation and trees grow in the area would be of tremendous assistance as you can determine whether they would pile up on your roofs and garden or not. While trees such as pine can be problematic for many gutters covers that are not debris-free, heavy trees such as maple or oak near your roof can be a potential hazard during heavy weather conditions. If you are experiencing such weather conditions it is best to trim your trees on a regular basis to prevent their branches from falling off and crushing gutter covers in unwanted situations.

Maintain Curb Appeal by Removing Gutter Mold & Mildew

Portions of your home may lie in the shadows of surrounding trees and foliage. A lack of direct sunlight can lead to unsightly mildew formation on both the interior and exterior of your gutters. There is a wide selection of specialty gutter cleaning products available that will help remove mold or mildew from your gutter’s exterior, but a simple diluted bleach solution, a scrub brush, and a little elbow grease will get the job done in a pinch. Keep an eye on your gutters over the next few weeks to ensure the mold or mildew doesn’t return. If it does, simply repeat the process above and your gutters should look as good as new!

Cut Down on Gutter Maintenance With Gutter Guards

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If your home is surrounded by foliage and your gutters get clogged frequently, gutter guards keep gutters clean and will help cut down on the amount of time you spend on a ladder pulling out those pesky leaves! Gutter Maids provide one of the highest-performing gutter guard products currently on the market. They are designed to keep leaves and debris out while avoiding overflow issues common with other gutter guard designs. Our team has used this product to great effect on various home gutter projects throughout the Twin Cities.

Gutter cleaning can be messy; thus, we suggest that you also utilize a professional gutter cleaning service from time to time. While DIY gutter cleaning is as efficient as professionals if you know what you are doing, it is still not worth the time. Gutter cleaning cost in Minneapolis has also dropped exponentially in recent years due to gutter cleaning equipment being more expensive in many stores. For that extra push to get your gutter cleaning done with professionalism, contact Gutter Maids today!