Cleaning your gutters and downspouts is one of the most tedious chores homeowners face, but failing to do it regularly and properly can result in major roof damage. Tory’s Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc, Pearl City’s trusted roofer, would like to remind you that spending a few hours on your gutters and drains now could save you thousands of dollars on roof repairs later.

Regular monitoring of the condition of your gutters will alert you to small issues before they start causing bigger problems, so check around your house after a rain at least every month or so. If you notice any leaks or blockages, get a ladder and take care of it as soon as possible.

Even if you don’t spot obvious problems, your drains and downspouts need to be cleaned at least once a year. Never clean your gutters while standing on the roof—always use a ladder and avoid using the top three rungs. Also, avoid trying to carry a bucket up with you. It can throw you off balance and cause you to fall.

Starting from an area near your downspout, scrape out the large clumps of decaying matter with the trowel and drop them into a wheelbarrow on the ground. When that’s clear, spray toward the downspout with a hose to get the smaller material, which should just go down the drain. If not, check the drain traps and remove any clogs. Ideally, you may want to do this twice a year.

Tory’s Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc. is the most trusted roofing contractor in Pearl City. Visit them online to view a portfolio of their work, or call (808) 456-5990 to schedule a free, no-obligation appointment.