How To Unclog Gutters?

Gutters are an essential part of any home , since their function is to evacuate rainwater from a roof or deck, thus preventing it from falling down the facade of the home and causing leaks and dampness in the construction. For this reason, maintaining a good functioning of the gutter system is essential: here we tell you how to unclog the gutters .

However, you must bear in mind that it is a task that requires special knowledge and safety measures as it is work at height. For this reason, we recommend that you contact companies specialized in the installation and cleaning of gutters so that they can solve the blockage.

Why unclog gutters?

The function of gutter systems is simple: they direct the rainwater that falls on the roof , causing it to fall through the downspouts to the outside of the house. But, as is understandable, if something blocks the flow of water, it cannot flow freely, affecting the functioning of the gutters.

The consequences of a blockage not only affect the entire gutter system, but also the home in which they are installed. An obstruction in the gutters can cause water to overflow , causing it to fall down the façade of the building and causing dampness and leaks.

In addition, due to the weight of the water, it is likely that small cracks and water leaks will form that will eventually break the piece. This will force to change part of the gutter system with the expenses that this entails.

How to unclog gutters

To properly unclog a gutter, it is always advisable to have the help of a gutter installer,  since a poorly done unclogging can lead to major problems. Only if you have the proper resources and knowledge can you unclog a gutter in no time.

First locate the place where the jam has occurred.

Proceed to remove and clean all plant debris, remains of nests and feathers, soil and even garbage that may have fallen into the gutters. All these remains should be thrown in a garbage bag to throw away later.

Then you must do a complete review and cleaning of the entire gutter system to check that everything is in order. For this, it is best to use a hose with pressurized water.

Next , clean any remaining dirt that may have adhered to the walls of the gutters, dragging out everything that may be inside the downspouts.

If in the process you find any affected part, it is best to repair it as soon as possible , before it goes further.

Tips to avoid blockages in the gutters

Keep the inside of the gutter clean and in good condition at all times: try, as far as possible, to prevent dirt from falling inside.

Each area has its own peculiarities regarding gutters. If your home is surrounded by trees, one of the biggest problems you face is the accumulation of leaves. If you live near a large bird population, birds can be a problem because they nest inside home gutters .

Another measure that you can take into account is to clean the gutters periodically to avoid accumulations, but you can also add accessories to avoid blockages, such as the leaf guards that allow the passage of rainwater into the gutter so that the leaves do not sneak in. or solid objects or anti-bird spikes, which prevent birds from perching.

Gutter maintenance

The maintenance of gutter systems is essential, since it is a mechanism that helps you keep your gutters in good condition, extending their useful life and avoiding problems such as blockages. It is recommended that you have the help of an expert in installing and repairing gutters to check your system at least once a year. Although it is best to do two reviews, one in spring and one in autumn.

In these revisions, the general condition of the gutters is simply maintained, as well as a complete cleaning of the same to remove any residue that may be the cause of a blockage in the future. Also, in the case of living in areas with high rainfall, it is recommended that you do these maintenance checks more than twice a year.