The Best Ways To Keep the Gutters Clear This Fall

Keep the Gutters Clear During the Brisk Fall Months

Checking off all of the items on a fall cleaning list is no easy feat. It takes a lot of time and energy for each task. Most of the items on the list involve yard work. Things like raking the leaves, covering the plants, mowing the grass one last time, or cleaning the gutters. Cleaning the gutters is one of the more time-consuming tasks, but it’s worth it in the end because it can prevent homeowners from having to deal with major roofing emergencies. To make the gutter cleaning process a little easier this year, homeowners can use the following tips.

Gutter Cleaning From the Pros

When people don’t have the time, energy, or patience for fall cleaning tasks like cleaning the gutters, delegation becomes the key. Hiring a professional handyman would take some of the pressure off of homeowners to do all the work and frees up their time to do other things. Hiring a professional can really come in handy, especially in the following situations:

• The tall roofs of two-story homes make it tough to reach the gutters. Trying to find a ladder that’s tall enough and stable enough can be hard to do. Additionally, it’s a lot of steps to go up and down each time the ladder has to be readjusted, and for safety reasons, a 2nd person is needed to hold tall ladders.
• Older homeowners or homeowners that recently had an injury or surgery are at risk when clearing out the gutters. Balancing on a ladder is tricky, and the last thing homeowners need is an injury from falling.

Reduce Debris by Trimming Trees

Leaves are the biggest reason that gutters get clogged in the fall and need to be cleaned. So if there weren’t as many leaves, the gutters wouldn’t get clogged as easily. Trimming the tree branches, especially trees that are close to the house, can help reduce the amount of debris (like leaves) that land in the gutters and build up over time.

If gutters become clogged with debris, the water can’t drain off of the roof and away from the house. When homeowners avoid cleaning gutters that are clogged, it can lead to a leaky roof or other water damage on the interior and exterior of the home. Not to mention, rodents and pests love to make a home out of that debris in the gutters!

Gutter Guards May Help

Another method for preventing clogged gutters is to install gutter guards. These guards cover the gutter so debris can’t enter into it. Here are a few of the most common types of gutter guards:

• Mesh: Mesh gutter guards are long sheets with small holes. They are placed over the gutter, which allows the water to still fall into the gutter but prevents most leaves and other debris from getting stuck.
• Bottlebrush: This gutter guard has pokey bristles that sit on top of the gutter. It’s similar to the bristles placed on statues or famous buildings to prevent birds from landing. The debris will stay on top of the bristles while water can still enter the gutter.
• Reverse curve: This type of gutter guard also lays on top of the gutter, but redirects the water flow down through a small slit into the gutter. Since the debris can’t make that sharp curve, it is forced to fall to the ground instead.

Homeowners should take the time to research the different gutter guard options and choose a solution that is best for their home’s unique needs.  Local gutter installers are available to offer recommendations, as well as free quotes.  Call a professional Handyman today to schedule a free consultation.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

Since 1977, A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions has strived to improve not only the comfort but also the functionality and aesthetics of their customers' homes. Contact them today for reliable handyman services in Austin, TX and the surrounding areas.

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