As the leading provider of seamless gutters in Redding, CA, we work with a lot of homeowners and always like to ask our clients when they last cleaned their gutters. Some say they didn’t know they had to, others explain that they didn’t know how to, and some even tell us they thought they would drain on their own. Even though your gutters are out of sight and out of mind, they still need to be taken into consideration and cleaned regularly to prevent damage to your home and property. So, when was the last time you cleaned your gutters? If you’re like most people, then you probably can’t remember the last time, right?

When we install seamless gutters in Redding, CA, we always explain to our clients that they need to clean them regularly or have it done professionally. Leaves, pine needles, and debris can prevent a rain gutter from draining properly. Whether you have a cast iron, plastic, or seamless gutter system, you need to clean it at least two or three times a year and more if you have big trees on your property or live in an area that gets a lot of snow.

Read on to find out how to clean your gutters to prevent damage. Remember to use safety precautions when cleaning your gutters.

  • Always have someone that can hold the ladder for you. This person will be your spotter to keep the ladder tight and prevent you from falling.
  • Use a strong but light aluminum ladder and ensure it’s in good condition. You also want to use one that has a shelf for you to put all the debris you clean from the gutter.
  • Use a garden hose with a pistol to blow away all the debris that has been accumulating in your gutters.
  • Use a gutter scoop to dig away all the gunk that has been accumulating in the bottom of your gutters. Use a plastic gutter scooper as it won’t damage the gutter and make it susceptible to rust.
  • Be sure to wear gloves if you’re digging at the gunk with your hands, because if you have any cuts on your hands or fingers, the bacteria from insect and animal feces can cause an infection.
  • Always use eye protection because the gunk can fly into your eyes—or worse, flying insects, debris, or bees can cause permanent injury to your eyes.
  • Power wash the roof and rake off the leaves.
  • Use good shoes that will prevent you from slipping.
  • Don’t forget to unclog the downspout and make sure that water runs freely from the gutter through the downspout.
  • Do a visual inspect of powerlines. If your gutter is too close to powerlines, call our professionals here at OrCal Seamless Rain Gutters and let us do the dangerous job for you.

How Can You Prevent Clogged Gutters

Install Gutter Toppers

Protecting your gutters should be one of your top priorities as a homeowner, which you can easily do by investing in gutter topper systems. There are many on the market that are perfect and will prevent debris from accumulating in your gutters. The protectors go on top of your gutters and have holes to let water in while preventing leaves, debris, animals, and trash from entering the gutters and causing a backup.

Regular Maintenance & Cleaning

One of the best ways to prevent your gutters from backing up is to get them cleaned regularly and check for minor issues. While it might not be high on your priority list, it is very important. If you don’t have the time or knowhow to clean your gutters, call our gutter experts here at OrCal Seamless Rain Gutters. We will help you clean, maintain, or replace your gutters if they need it. Call us today at 530-410-4395 for a free quote.