Gutters are part of our daily grind here at Bliby Plastics, but how often can you say you’ve honestly thought with any great level of interest about the guttering on your home? Properly maintained gutters can last an incredibly long time, making the importance of a little seasonal DIY checking certainly worth some attention.
WARNING: Accessing your gutters may be dangerous or physically difficult for you. HSA statistics suggest roughly 30% of DIY accidents involve a fall from a ladder, so never push yourself if you feel unsafe or take unnecessary risks. Never clean or check guttering alone, always have a partner on hand to steady the ladder and offer assistance.
Plastic guttering is often easier to maintain as there’s no concern surrounding possible repainting etc, however, many folks prefer the durability and aesthetic quality of painted cast iron guttering.
Cleaning Tips
• Begin at the downspout end of the gutter. If the downspout is blocked, nothing can run off as you clean. Take a bucket and garden hose up the ladder (have your partner turn on the hose when you need it to eliminate the danger of climbing with the water running) Empty as much detritus into the bucket by hand as you can (you may need to take a few trips up and down the ladder)
• Clogs inside the downspout are harder to shift, but a blast with the high pressure attachment of your garden hose should move non-professionally fixable blockages.
• Clean the gutter from the downspout end to the farthest end using the bucket and hose (moving the ladder to avoid dangerous overreaching.
