Winter cold and snow are far in the past, and spring and summer are here to stay. And we all know that spring can bring quite a bit of pollen, fallen leaves, and other debris. And not only does debris look messy, it can cause home maintenance problems, too.
Whether you’re selling or staying in your home this year, we want to help you get it in shape. Here’s our Home Fitness Tip #7. You ready?
Fitness Tip #7: Keep Your Gutters Clean and Clear!
Keeping gutters clear and free of debris is crucial to maintaining proper water drainage, and avoiding roof damage! That’s right; clogged gutters can cause water to back up and results in significant damage to both the outside and the inside of your home.
Here’s how to keep your gutters running smoothly.
When to Clean Your Gutters
First and foremost, it’s important to know when to clean your gutters. It’s definitely not something you need to do every weekend! Twice a year—in spring and late fall—is usually sufficient, but if you have a lot of trees, you might need to do it more frequently. You may also want to at least check them before any big storms roll in, too.
Whenever you decide to clean them, it’s always best to pick a nice dry day.
Always Be Safe
The safest way to clean gutters is from a ladder, not from the roof. Avoid leaning too much, even if it means having to move the ladder around more. Better safe than sorry! It’s also good to be sure you’re planting the ladder securely on solid, even ground every time you move it around.
Clear the Clog
Once you’ve settled and climbed your ladder, you’re going to want to start removing all the gunk that’s up there! You can use a small trowel or just your (preferably gloved) hands to scoop out the leaves, sticks, dirt, mud, and whatever else is up there. Once the big stuff is clear, it’s a good idea to use a hose to whisk out the rest of the debris and make sure water flows freely.
Help! I’m Not Handy…
That’s okay! Whether you can’t climb ladders, are afraid of heights, or simply just aren’t handy, there are still ways you can keep your gutters clean. Gutter whiskers, mesh guards, and snap-in plastic covers are all options your can use to prevent gunk from building up in the first place.
No… I’m Really Not Handy…
Hey, house maintenance isn’t for everyone, and that’s totally okay! If you need contractors to help you stay on your fitness plan, call us at 919-868-9222 and we’d be more than happy to point you in the right direction!
Whether you’re selling your home in Johnston County or staying for years to come, the Tina Barletta Team is here to help you with all your real estate needs! Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.