How to Clean and Maintain Your Eavestroughs

Your eavestroughs take care of your house, but who's taking care of them?
Cleaning and maintaining your eavestroughs is just as important as changing the oil in your car.

Why Eavestroughs Need Cleaning

When your eaves get clogged, you'll see waterfalls pouring from their edges in warmer weather, and icicles glittering along the bottom in winter. That's not the worst of it. Improperly cleaned and maintained eaves can lead to:
Water leaks inside your ceiling and adjoining walls: Water exerts a tremendous amount of pressure. Like most things, it will find the path of least resistance. For some homeowners, this spells water damage inside the ceiling and walls (which leads to further problems).
Siding issues: Invading water can lead to mold and rotting wood – not what you want inside your home's walls. Unfortunately, by the time the damage becomes obvious, it's typically too late.
Damaged or detached eaves: The weight of waterlogged debris can cause detached eaves to give away.
Basement and foundation damage: Water is relentless. If it doesn't drain away from your house properly, it can seep into the basement or crack the foundation. It won't get better without repair.

Tips for Cleaning Your Eavestroughs

Most homeowners need to clean their eaves twice a year. First, in October, or when the trees are almost done shedding their leaves. Late spring is another good time, if a second cleaning is needed. If they haven't been cleaned for a very long time, the job may be more difficult.
Keep these tips in mind:
Wear leather gloves and long sleeves while to protect your hands and arms. You may encounter sharp edges, hidden screw ends, or other hazards.
Spread plastic sheeting over shrubs and decorations you do not want exposed to the cleaning.
Position a wheelbarrow, trash bin, tarp or plastic sheeting on the ground under your work area. Throw the debris onto the tarp instead of carrying a garbage bag up the ladder with you.
Set up your ladder on a stable area near a corner of the house (close to a downspout). Never reach more than a couple of feet to the sides to prevent falling.
Avoid resting the ladder against the eaves.
Starting at the corner downspout, work away from it, scooping out any leaves, dirt and debris.
Scrub inside the eaves, if needed, with a soft- or wire-bristled brush.
Flush, using a garden hose equipped with a spray nozzle in order to create water pressure. Move the water through the eaves and out the downspouts.
Snake any downspout that appears clogged.
Clean the outside using hot, soapy water, and wash away any splatter or spills on the siding.

Eavestrough Maintenance and Repair

Slow down the debris accumulation in your eaves to make maintenance and cleaning easier. Some repair and maintenance tasks you may be able to perform yourself include the following:

Adjust the slope if water doesn't flow readily and the downspouts are clear. Eavestroughs should run downhill toward the downspouts.
Install mesh screens or a leaf-catching system. If you decide to buy one of these systems, be sure to get a type that can be easily removed when it's time to clean.
Check your system every time you clean it. Look for rust, leaks, or loose connections.
To fix small holes, leaks or loose connections, use silicone caulk or sealant as directed.
If your house is taller than two stories, consider hiring a professional. Get estimates from three companies before choosing the one you want to work with.

Proper maintenance will keep your eavestroughs working effectively for many years.

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct: 519-495-1541
email: rthyssen@rogers.com
www.thyssengroup.com