Eavestrough Cleaning – Tools & Techniques [Guide 2023]

Table of Contents

Updated on June 9, 2023

Have you ever looked up at your house and noticed your eavestroughs overflowing with water? Or worse, have you noticed water stains on your walls or foundation? If so, it’s time to clean your eavestroughs.

Eavestroughs are the channels that run along the edge of your roof and collect rainwater, directing it away from your house. They play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage, but they can only do their job if they’re clean and clear of debris.

Regular eavestrough cleaning is essential to prevent water damage and keep your home in good condition

DOWNLOAD EAVESTROUGH CLEANING GUIDE PDF HERE

Introduction

Eavestroughs, also known as gutters, are an essential part of any home. They play a vital role in diverting water away from your home’s foundation, preventing water damage and other costly repairs.

However, eavestroughs can quickly become clogged with debris, leaves, and other unwanted materials. This can lead to water buildup, overflow, and even damage to your roof and walls.

Importance of Cleaning Eavestroughs

Eavestroughs play a crucial role in protecting your home’s foundation, walls, and roof. When they become clogged with debris, water can overflow, causing damage to your home’s exterior and foundation. Regular cleaning of eavestroughs can prevent these issues and save you money on costly repairs.

Here are some of the benefits of keeping your eavestroughs clean:

Preventing water damage to your home’s foundation, walls, and roof
Avoiding potential insect infestations
Extending the lifespan of your eavestroughs
Maintaining your home’s aesthetic appeal

Signs that your Eavestroughs Need Cleaning

Eavestroughs are an essential part of any home’s roofing system, and it’s important to keep them clean and free of debris to prevent water damage to your home’s exterior and foundation. But how do you know when it’s time to clean your eavestroughs? Here are some signs that your eavestroughs need cleaning:

Overflowing water from the eavestroughs: If you notice water overflowing from your eavestroughs during rainstorms, it’s a sign that they are clogged with debris. The water may overflow onto your roof, causing damage to your shingles or tiles, or it may overflow onto the ground, causing damage to your landscaping or foundation.
Water stains on the walls or foundation of your home: When eavestroughs become clogged, water can seep down the side of your home and cause water stains on your walls or foundation. These stains may be a sign of more significant water damage, and it’s important to clean your eavestroughs to prevent further damage.
Visible debris or plant growth in the eavestroughs: If you can see leaves, twigs, or other debris in your eavestroughs, it’s a sign that they need cleaning. Debris can accumulate quickly, especially during the fall season when leaves are falling from trees. Plant growth, such as moss or algae, can also be a sign of clogged eavestroughs.
Sagging or damaged eavestroughs: Clogged eavestroughs can become heavy with debris, causing them to sag or pull away from your home. This can cause water to overflow and damage your home’s exterior. Sagging or damaged eavestroughs may also be a sign of more significant damage, and it’s important to have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

By keeping an eye out for these signs, you can identify when your eavestroughs need cleaning and prevent water damage to your home. It’s recommended to clean your eavestroughs at least twice a year, in the spring and fall, to ensure they are free of debris and functioning properly.

Tools and Equipment Needed for Eavestrough Cleaning

Cleaning eavestroughs is an important task that requires the right tools and equipment to get the job done safely and efficiently. Here is a more detailed list of the tools and equipment needed for eavestrough cleaning:

Ladder: A sturdy and stable ladder is essential for accessing the eavestroughs. Make sure the ladder is tall enough to reach the eavestroughs and has a weight capacity that can support your weight and any equipment you may need to carry.
Handheld scoop: A handheld scoop is a small tool that is used to remove debris from the eavestroughs. It is designed to fit into the narrow space of the eavestroughs and scoop out leaves, twigs, and other debris.
Garden hose: A garden hose is used to flush out any remaining debris from the eavestroughs. It is best to use a hose with a high-pressure nozzle to ensure that the water flows freely through the eavestroughs.
Safety gear: Safety gear is essential when cleaning eavestroughs. Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp debris, and goggles to protect your eyes from dust and debris.
Bucket: A bucket is useful for collecting debris that you scoop out of the eavestroughs. It is also useful for carrying tools and equipment up the ladder.
Trowel: A trowel is a small hand tool that is useful for removing stubborn debris from the eavestroughs. It is designed to scrape the bottom of the eavestroughs and remove debris that may be stuck to the surface.
Leaf blower: A leaf blower is a useful tool for removing leaves and debris from the roof and eavestroughs. It is especially useful for removing debris that is difficult to reach with a handheld scoop or trowel.
Gutter cleaning robot: A gutter cleaning robot is a new technology that can make eavestrough cleaning easier and more efficient. It is a small robot that is designed to crawl through the eavestroughs and remove debris. However, it can be expensive and may not be necessary for most homeowners.

By having the right tools and equipment, you can ensure that your eavestrough cleaning is done safely and effectively

Steps for Cleaning Eavestroughs

Here are the steps you should follow to clean your eavestroughs:

To keep your eavestroughs functioning correctly, regular cleaning is necessary.

Choose the right tools for the job

Before you begin cleaning your eavestroughs, ensure that you have the necessary tools to complete the job. A ladder is a must-have, and it should be sturdy and able to reach your roofline. You will also need a pair of gloves, a trowel or scoop, a bucket, and a garden hose. For stubborn debris, you may require a power washer or a plumber’s snake.

Plan your cleaning strategy

Before you start cleaning your eavestroughs, plan your strategy. Start at one end of your home and work your way towards the other. This will help you to avoid missing any sections and ensure that you clean your eavestroughs thoroughly. It is also crucial to check your downspouts for clogs and ensure that water can flow freely through them.

Preparing the area:

Before you start cleaning, ensure the area around your eavestroughs is clear of any obstacles. This includes trimming any nearby trees and shrubs that may be blocking access to the eavestroughs.

Cleaning the area

Use a handheld scoop to remove any visible debris from the eavestroughs. This may include leaves, twigs, and other debris.

Flushing out remaining debris with a garden hose: After removing visible debris, use a garden hose to flush out any remaining debris from the eavestroughs. Start from one end and work your way to the other end, ensuring that the water is flowing freely.

Repairing any damage found: Remove debris and clean your eavestroughs

Once you have completed cleaning and inspection, repair any damage found. This may include sealing cracks or replacing damaged sections of the eavestroughs.Use your trowel or scoop to remove any debris from your eavestroughs. Be careful not to damage the eavestroughs themselves or your roof.

Place the debris in your bucket and dispose of it appropriately. Once you have removed all debris, use your garden hose to flush out your eavestroughs. This will help to remove any remaining debris and ensure that water flows freely through them.

Inspect your eavestroughs

After cleaning your eavestroughs, inspect them for any damage. Look for signs of rust, holes, or cracks. If you notice any damage, repair it promptly to prevent water damage to your home’s foundation, walls, or roof.

Schedule regular eavestrough cleaning and take help from professional eavestrough cleaning services in Toronto

Tips for Maintaining Clean Eavestroughs

To maintain clean eavestroughs, follow these tips:

Establish a regular cleaning schedule, ideally twice a year.
Install leaf guards or gutter covers to prevent debris from accumulating in the eavestroughs.
Trim nearby trees and shrubs to prevent leaves and branches from falling into the eavestroughs.

In conclusion, regular cleaning of eavestroughs is essential for protecting your home from water damage. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can keep your eavestroughs clean and in good condition, ensuring the safety and integrity of your home.

Get Professional Help Cleaning Eavestrough in Toronto GTA

If you’re located in Toronto and need professional eavestrough cleaning services, Northern Touch Property Care is here to help. Our team of experts has the tools and experience necessary to clean your eavestroughs quickly and efficiently at economical cost, ensuring that your home is protected from water damage.

Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact us today to schedule your eavestrough cleaning in Toronto and keep your home safe and dry.

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