The clean state of your roof and gutter is an aspect that any homeowner can never afford to overlook. Gutters are very useful as they are used to drain water from the roof whenever it rains. During this process, a lot of tree leaves and other objects may find their way into the gutter thus compromising the efficiency of your gutter. If debris continues to accumulate in the gutter, this will lead to clogged gutters that will lead to the creation of ice dams on the roof that will force water to drip into your house through the roof.
Having a clean roof is essential too since a clean roof speaks volumes about the beauty of your house. Algae, moss, and lichen are very common on many roofs and they gradually reduce the beauty of your roof. Here are some helpful tips that can help you keep your roof and gutters in very good conditions.
How to clean gutters.
Before even cleaning your gutters, you need to set aside a day that is favorable in terms of weather, preferably choose a calm day with fewer winds and less sunny. Gutter cleaning process requires several tools which include:
- Ladder
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Brush
- Garbage bag
- Hosepipe
The best place to start your gutter cleaning process is the drain outlets this is because all the leaves and dirt will accumulate there. The ladder will give you a very good access to the gutters whereby you will have an easy way of eliminating the dirt. Using a ladder can be a risky affair sometimes so always have someone to hold it as you step on it.
The trowel is useful since it’s used to scoop up all the dirt and dumped into the garbage bag. Alternatively, you can use your hands to scoop up the debris, however, be careful not to get harmed by nails and other objects even if you have gloves on. With the help of a brush, you will be able to remove any silt or debris that seems stubborn.
The hosepipe has pressure attachment that will help you remove all the loose debris making your gutter clean. You should repeat this process for every gutter length and at the end of it all, you gutter should be debris free. If your gutter is not properly slanted, there will be a problem when it comes to drainage of water. This means that you will have stagnant water and debris in your gutters to worry about. Stagnated water in your gutter is a good breeding ground for mosquitoes, also it promotes the creation of ice dams that destroy your rooftop. You can call a plumber and have it fixed or you can do it yourself.
How to clean a roof.
Ways of cleaning a roof may vary depending on the type of roof you have. However, the process is basically similar, also, the tools required are all but the same. Weather is an aspect that you need to factor in before choosing a day to give your roof some cleaning services. The tools required are:
- Safety glasses.
- Non-slippery shoes.
- Protective gloves.
- Brush with hard bristles.
- Garbage bag
- Bleaching chemicals.
With the help of the ladder, you will be able to access the top of your roof from where you will be able to sweep off twigs and leaves or you can pick them up using your hand and putting them in a garbage bag. Moss creates an appealing visual effect when it grows on a roof but it can be very hazardous.
The process of removing moss can be laborious, a trowel and a brush will come in handy during this process. You should never let moss grow extensively on your roof so you should remove it as soon as it appears. If your roof is tiled, you will have to remove each tile and remove the moss using a brush. Remember to properly fix the tiles after cleaning so as to avoid having leakage when it rains.
Moss can be disposed of anywhere but for environment cleanliness purpose, dispose of it in a litter bin. Algae are fond of building up in shingle roofs. Algae are harmful as they make shingles lose their strength with time thus making them absorb a lot of heat. So how do you deal with this? A mixture of water and bleach is your best bet. As a precaution, avoid using bleach made of chlorine as they are detrimental to your shingles. Spray the solution on a small segment of your roof and thoroughly scrub to remove the algae on your shingles.
However, always stand on a dry path since the bleach solution can be very harmful to you. After a thorough scrubbing, remember to rinse the roof using clean water. The bleach solution is also harmful to your plants, so if by any chance it will get to your flowers it will be advisable if you water your plants before and after washing your roof. This will reduce the negative impact of bleach chemicals on plants.
Roof cleaning is very paramount as it can make your roof look appealing and attractive from a distance away. This process increases the survivability of your roof as it eliminates the possibility of leakages. Cases of leakage can make your roof get damaged very easily. If by any means, the process of cleaning gutter and roof seems very laborious to you, you can seek professional help at a pocket-friendly cost.
Whenever you want to undertake the process of cleaning your gutters and roof, always ensure you have protective gear on. A very clean and well-maintained rooftop will have you admiring it always as you drive or walk towards your home. In a nutshell, if your accord your gutters and roof the best maintenance, they will remain in good shape for many years hence you won’t have the bear the cost of replacing gutters every now and then. Bear in mind that maintenance is key.
