Your roof is an essential part of your home. It's your home's first line of defense against the elements. It shields your home from windstorms, sleet, snow, rain, and hail. Despite its importance, many people simply ignore their roof and expect it to work perfectly without any maintenance. This is a mistake. One of the most essential elements of your roof is the drainage system. The roof's drainage system is designed to channel water off the room and away from the home. This not only protects your roof again water leaks, it also protects your foundation from settling water. That's why it's essential that homeowners check their drainage systems at least twice a year.
An often overlooked aspect of any home is the gutters and downspouts. Rain gutters are an essential aspect of the exterior water drainage and maintenance of your home and, when installed properly, can function as they are intended with little upkeep from you.
Always remember that the water jet from pressure washers are powerful enough to hurt or even kill, so avoid pointing your pressure washer tip to anyone. Follow the recommendations of the manufacturer when using chemicals or detergents and make sure that they are suitable for pressure washer use. When working on high places, never pressure wash while standing on a ladder.
Keeping your gutters and eaves free and clean of debris is very important as clogged and dirty gutters can be costly to repair once damaged. Gutter cleaning is simply a matter of getting on your ladder and scooping out the debris and rinsing. Again, please be reminded not to use pressure wash when working on high places or on a ladder. Use extension poles that will enable you to clean high and hard to reach places. While you're at it, ensure and check that your gutter system has no standing water as this can serve as a breeding place for mosquitoes.
When cleaning wooden decks and fences, keep in mind that wood can be easily damaged by using too much water pressure, so proceed with caution. Choosing the right detergent or chemical is important for proper cleaning without damaging the wood.
Without gutters, the excess water runoff from your roof can eventually lead to damage around the foundation of your home. The water will naturally fall and pool in low lying areas, and may cause you unnecessary troubles with basement flooding and extra moisture.
High pressure cleaning is the most effective way of cleaning your home, factories and equipments when properly executed. It is able to remove stubborn dirt and grime that normal cleaning procedures are not capable of. It is also an economical cleaning method as it's not very wasteful on water and chemical usage is greatly reduced. The following are tips on how to maximize high pressure cleaning benefits safely and effectively.
A properly installed gutter system will channel rainwater and runoff away from your house, leaving the ground and foundation in tact for longer. Consider the many options and find the gutter system that works best for your home if you currently don't have gutters installed.
After you've chosen the right material and a color that nicely fits your home, it's time to start installing the gutters. It is imperative that you attach the gutters slightly underneath the edge of the roof, as to make certain that all water runoff, from a light rain to a downpour, will be caught. The whole point of having gutters installed is to keep excess water away from your house and from having it damage the foundation.
When working on brick, mortar or concrete walls, initial preparations must be done before it can be pressure washed. Ensure that all nearby windows, doors and openings are tightly closed to avoid water entry to indoor spaces. Cracks must be repaired and electrical wall outlets and fixtures must be sealed or protected from water to avoid damage and electrocution. Some owners might also want their plants, flowers and vegetation to be protected. In areas with humid and very hot weather, mold, mildew or algae growth might be present. A concrete cleaner with anti-mold and mildew properties is effective in removing and preventing future re-growth.
For asphalt driveways, stubborn stains like tire marks, oil and grease are common and the usual surface cleaners might not be able to remove them. Commercial chemicals and detergents that are specially formulated for use in a pressure washer and designed specifically for asphalt must be used.
After installing your gutters, it is your responsibility to keep them properly maintained. Traditional gutters are routinely clogged with leaves and other debris, causing blockages and eventually water to flow over the edges. You should perform a total gutter cleaning at least twice a year, removing debris and checking for any leaks or holes. There are gutter-guards available that can block leaves and bigger debris from getting into your gutters. Some gutter systems already have the leaf-guard installed. This is extremely handy for homes that are surrounded by a lot of trees and therefore will have their gutters clogged with leaves and sticks. Without a gutter guard, you may have to remove debris more than twice a year. Even with gutter screens, it would be wise to inspect your gutters twice a year for any damage and to see if they're still firmly attached to your roof and house.
Clogged gutters are a major cause of water leakage. When gutters fill with leaves and debris, water can't flow properly. When winter comes, pooled water can freeze and expand which can cause extensive damages that require expensive repair. Clogged downspouts can cause water to pool near your home and leak down into your foundation. That's why regular gutter cleaning is so important. If you're not someone that likes climbing up on the roof twice a year, there are solutions. Gutter covers can help you solve your clogged gutter problems. Gutter covers protect against snow, ice, leaves, and debris becoming clogged up in the gutter. This will help your drainage system to work as it is designed to by channeling water off the roof, through the gutters, out the downspout, and away from your home.
Before you make the purchase, decide on the type of gutter system that will best compliment your home. You may like the look of copper gutters or would prefer a lower-maintenance vinyl gutter system.