General deterioration from age or weather is likely to impact most properties, and therefore it will always benefit to monitor the home to make sure it is kept in a sound state of repair.
Routine maintenance is a highly effective step to limit a need to pay for costly or extensive repairs due to on-going neglect.
A regular inspection of a property is typically more important for the exterior of the property as that is likely to endure much more wear and tear as a consequence of unfavorable weather.
One of the key aspects of monitoring the exterior of a property is to keep on top of issues relating to the gutter system.
The guttering is a vital part of the roofing system with its ability to effectively stop rainwater causing potential damage to the property.
Due to the placement of the gutter system it isn't one of the easiest DIY jobs to complete and many homeowners turn to a roofing contractor or handyman to complete this type of work.
If left unattended, a section of the gutter that has become blocked with debris has the potential to cause damage to a properties cellar, foundation, walls, and landscaping.
It is for these reasons that the guttering should be kept free and clear of rubbish.
In the process of monitoring the guttering, it will be highly beneficial if you're able to get your hands on the right tools for the job at hand.
If attempting to self-clear the guttering of debris, you will first need sufficiently sized safety-ladders to reach the desired height.
Avoid leaning the ladders against the gutter or downspout as this has the potential to cause damage, especially if it is constructed in plastic.
Also, you might want to invest in a stabilizer for the ladders to make sure it doesn't move or shift to one side whilst in use.
An effective tool to clear the guttering is a large-sized brush with stiff bristles, such as a wallpaper brush - this work is much easier to complete when the gutter debris (leaves, twigs, etc) is dry.
A brush is often a much more preferable option than a garden hose to flush the debris, as clearing large debris with the hose has a high chance of clogging up the downspout.
After clearing the gutter of the easy to see and remove pieces of debris, you can than use a hose to completely clear any left over rubbish.
Once free of debris, you can you use the hose to check the gutters ability to clear water and check for signs of leaks.
If it becomes clear from these checks that guttering repairs are required then these should be carried out as soon as possible to avoid more serious problems in the future.