6 Helpful Tips to Clear Your Roof and Gutters of Seasonal Debris

Roof maintenance should be part of every homeowner’s seasonal care plan. This is especially true if you live in a high-rainfall area or have large, leafy trees close to the roof. Since roof maintenance can be risky, many homeowners always look for ways to simplify the process. 

One of the simplest ways to reduce your roof cleaning duties is to opt for the gutter guard installation Melbourne roofing companies offer. While professional roofing companies offer standard cleaning services, many homeowners choose to do this themselves. 

Work Smarter, not Harder.

When it comes to cleaning your roof, the secret is to work smarter, not harder. To help you with this our experts have compiled a list of helpful tips that make roof and gutter cleaning much simpler. Here they are. 

1. Get the Right Tools

If you’re going to clear your gutters yourself, the first step is always to start by getting the right tools before you get on the roof. These typically include the following:

Strong, sturdy ladder: Just because you know how to climb up the side of the house to get onto the roof doesn’t mean you should. Always use a strong, sturdy ladder which will also make it easy to see exactly what’s going on in the gutters. Secure the ladder in a safe, shady area. 

• Basic safety gear: It may sound a bit excessive to get onto the roof with a bunch of safety gear but slip and fall injuries are among the top injuries in Australia every year. Keep in mind that your roof may be hot, which can cause minor burns. The basic gear to opt for include non-slip rubber-soled boots, well-fitting rubber gloves, and eye protection for dust and flying debris.  
• Pressure washer: An easy and effective way to get stubborn dirt off your roof is to use a pressure washer. Using a strong gush of water to rinse the roof and the gutters will have roof maintenance done in no time. 
• Garbage bags: Use these to collect the roof debris. Scoop debris directly into a garbage bag while you’re on the roof. Throwing the debris on the ground and then picking it up just adds to your workload. 
• Small hard-bristled broom: Stubborn leaves, mud, and sand can easily be brushed out of the gutter with hard-bristled flowers. 

2. Clean the Roof First

The simplest way to clean your roof is to work from the top down. Use the hard bristled broom or pressure washer and sweep and wash downwards. You can also use a leaf blower for excessive build-up after a storm. Brush everything down into the gutters. 

3. Move onto the Gutters

Every season leaves, twigs, and sand run down and accumulate in the gutters. When this isn’t cleared out it can cause blockages, which in turn can lead to water damage when the gutters overflow. Sweep and scrape as much dirt as possible and use the pressure washer to rinse out the rest. 

4. Add a Cleaning Solution if Necessary

You can easily rinse off your gutters with regular water. However, if you want to remove mould, algae, and bacteria, it’s a good idea to opt for an outdoor cleaning solution formulated for this purpose. This is also an effective way to remove pollutants such as oil and grease. 

5. Don’t Forget the Downpipes and Drains

Once you have cleared out the gutters, you will need to move onto the downpipes and drains. Debris can easily get clogged up in the downpipe and lead to water damage around the foundation. 

You can use your power washer to blast out of the downpipes. Do this from the top of the roof. Clear out your drains and surrounding areas with an antibacterial drain cleaner to minimise bacteria build-up. 

6. Invest in Gutter Guards

The most effective way to minimise the amount of debris that gets stuck in your gutters is to invest in gutter guards. These are pieces of steel, plastic, or mesh that clip onto the existing gutter. When this happens, leaves and twigs can’t fall into the gutter. Instead, the leaves blow right off. 

Smaller debris may still fall through but this will more than likely wash away with the rain. You can also just give the gutters a quick blast from the pressure washer. You will find that keeping your gutters clear has never been easier. Gutter guards are also available in a range of different options, making it easier than ever to find the right option for your gutters no matter their shape or size. 

Takeaways

The average Australian roof and gutters only need to be cleared of debris twice a year. If you live in high-rainfall areas or have tall trees around your home, it may be necessary to clean more often. Use our tips to help you perform your roof cleaning duties safely and efficiently. Keep in mind that you can easily outsource this unpleasant job to experts who will have it done in no time!