Northern VA Gutter Cleaning

For people who live in Northern VA, gutter cleaning is a necessary evil. Since this area’s climate gives each year four seasons, each autumn your Virginia gutters can get packed full with falling leaves. And that’s not the end of it. Each spring, they can get clogged again with flowers, seeds and pine needles. Those who let this organic matter, as well as other debris, sit stagnant in their gutters end up with water dripping down in front and sides of their houses and possible citations from their homeowners associations.

Leaves can build up on patio furniture too.

People who don’t want to clean their own gutters can hire a contractor to complete the task for them. There are several contractors that service Northern Virginia. The following are just a few:

• Gutter Doctor
• Northern Virginia Gutter Cleaning
• Brian’s Home Services
• Gutterman Services
• Maple Leaf Rain Gutter Service

Gutter cleaning can get expensive, especially when it has to be done multiple times in the same year. Those who want to clean their gutters themselves to save some money can use these instructions:

1. Place the ladder at the corner of the gutter closest to the downspout. Make sure it is on level ground.
2. Climb the ladder and stop short of the three top rungs. Have someone hand you a trowel.
3. Push the trowel into the gutter at a 45 degree angle. Use it to dig out the leaves and debris.
4. Drop each “load” onto the ground or into a trash bag.
5. Move the ladder as needed until you have cleaned out all of the gutters.

1. Attach a spray nozzle to the end of the garden hose to increase its water pressure.
2. Point the end of the garden hose into the bottom the downspout.
3. Turn it up full blast so that the water breaks up any clogs.
4. Climb the ladder again and remove any new debris from the gutter.
5. Run water down the downspout to make sure it is clear. If not, run a plumber’s snake through it.
6. Repeat for any additional downspouts.

While it’s not necessary, some people like to flush out the entire gutter with the hose. To do so it’s best to start at the end opposite the downspout and aim the hose toward it. That way any remaining dirt will automatically be flushed out.

No matter how it’s done, in Northern VA gutter cleaning can be inconvenient. In some places there are enough trees that lose their leaves at different times that it has to be done twice or more in one season. A good way to get rid of this hassle, or at least make cleaning less frequent, is to purchase a gutter covers. These covers are angled downward and cover all of the gutter except for a small area near the front. That way water can go in the gutters to provide drainage from the roof but it is very difficult for leaves and chunks of dirt to fit.

Companies in Northern Virginia that sell these devices refer to them by several different names. Some of the most often heard are the Gutter Helmet, Gutter Guard and Gutter Glove. Before putting the money out for a system, it’s a good idea to get testimonials from people who already use the product or at least at look at online reviews. A person can have them professionally installed or choose to make it a do it yourself project. This is no feat to leave to someone who is afraid of heights or is uncomfortable carrying large pieces of metal up a ladder.

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