Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to water damage to your home, including the foundation and walls. Moisture intrusion can cause mold and mildew growth, which can be harmful to your health. It’s important to keep your gutters and downspouts clean to prevent clogging and water damage.
How to Clean Gutters and Downspouts
To clean gutters and downspouts, you will need a ladder, a bucket, a hose, and a gutter scoop or trowel. Follow these steps:
- Place the ladder against the side of your house, under the gutter.
- Carefully climb the ladder and use the gutter scoop or trowel to remove debris from the gutter.
- Once the gutter is clear, use the hose to rinse out any remaining debris.
- Repeat these steps for all of the gutters on your house.
How to Prevent Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
To prevent clogged gutters and downspouts, follow these tips:
- Install gutter guards to keep debris out of the gutters.
- Trim trees and shrubs around your house to prevent leaves and branches from falling into the gutters.
- Check your gutters and downspouts regularly for debris and clean them as needed.
Benefits of Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clean gutters and downspouts offer a number of benefits, including:
- Prevents water damage to your home
- Protects your foundation and walls
- Prevents mold and mildew growth
- Improves the appearance of your home
How Much Moisture is OK in Walls?
The amount of moisture that is acceptable in walls depends on the type of wall and the climate. In general, it is recommended to keep the moisture content of walls below 15%. If the moisture content of walls is too high, it can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can be harmful to your health. If you are concerned about the moisture content of your walls, you should contact a qualified professional for testing.