Gutters are an important part of a building’s roof. They direct rainwater away from a structure’s foundation, walls, and basement. When clogged, they can lead to water damage in the home or business. Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year — in spring and autumn.
Cleaning gutters can be a difficult and dangerous job for those without experience. If a person falls while working on a ladder, they can suffer serious injury. Working with licensed, insured gutter cleaning professionals can save a homeowner or business owner the hassle and risk of doing the work themselves. In addition, hiring a professional power washing company in Bethesda will help ensure that the job is done correctly.
Depending on the size of the home or business, there are several different tools that can be used to clean the gutters. The simplest method is to use a garden hose with a gutter cleaner attachment. The attachment has a telescoping section that extends from 40 to 70 inches, allowing a user to reach lower gutters like those on ranch and Cape-style homes from the ground. It also has a built-in nozzle and an adjustable arm, which allows the user to select the desired spray angle.
For best results, the nozzle should be set to a low pressure for the initial rinse of the gutters. This helps to prevent damaging foliage and other items that may be located near the gutters. After the initial rinse, a detergent solution can be applied to the gutters. It is best to start near a downspout and then spray down the length of the gutter, aiming toward the soffit area of the home or business. The nozzle should be switched to a higher pressure for the application of the detergent, again avoiding any damage that might occur to nearby plants or objects.
After the detergent is applied, it should be allowed to soak into the soffits and outside of the gutters for about 10 minutes before the wand is rinsed clean with a high-pressure nozzle. This rinse is designed to remove any remaining soap and debris. The wand is then wiped clean and the process is repeated for each gutter.
A clean gutter system is essential to a building’s structural integrity and the safety of its occupants. When the gutters are clogged, rainwater can pool and overflow from the roof, damaging shingles and causing leaks in the ceiling and walls of a building. Standing water can also attract mosquitoes and other insects. Clogged gutters are often the source of mold and rot, which can be very expensive to repair.
Gutter cleaning is an essential and frequently overlooked maintenance item for homes and businesses. Regular cleaning of gutters will help to prolong their life and prevent costly repairs. A power washer is an excellent tool for this job, but it must be used with care to avoid damaging the gutters and surrounding property. An experienced and qualified Bethesda gutter cleaning professional should be able to identify any potential problems before the washing is started, ensuring that the task is completed safely and effectively.