A How-to Guide for Removing Sap & Pollen from the Exterior of Your Gutters
At one point, a bill was introduced in Ontario that would prohibit schools from including plants in their landscaping that can cause allergies to flare up. While the legislation did not pass, it does highlight the fact that a property’s landscaping can be problematic. After all, some trees emit so much pollen that a fine yellow dust covers everything in sight. While others, seemingly continue to ooze tree sap. Both of these sources can leave unsightly residue on your seamless gutters. Here’s what you need to know about debris and spring gutter cleaning.
Common Spring Gutter Debris That Can Cause Damage & Clogs
Tree Sap
Believe it or not, sap has more a function than making everything it comes in contact with sticky. Types of trees notorious for dripping sap include maple, elm, and birch. It’s the lifeblood of a tree that transports water and nutrients throughout the plant. Factors that can increase a tree’s sap output include trimming, pests, disease, and damage.
Pollen
Not only does tree pollen cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching, and watery eyes, it can also be responsible for leaving a yellow trail on the exterior of your rain gutters. The downfall of tree pollen, which typically comes from oak and pine, is that it’s so light that it can easily be transported long distances through the air.
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Dangers Of Exterior Gutter Cleaning & Maintenance:
Every year, 90,000 emergency room visits are the direct result of injuries that occur due to falling off a ladder-which is often necessary when it comes to rain gutter maintenance. When possible, clean one-piece seamless gutters from the ground by using a painter’s pole with a soft pad on the end. This soft pad can clean the gunk that’s accumulated on the exterior of the covered gutters. If you must use a ladder, utilize one equipped with stabilizers when cleaning gutters.
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The Perfect Exterior Gutter Cleaning Solution
Mix a combination of detergent and water. It’s always smart to test the solution in a concealed area on your gutters to make sure you will have no ill effects. Once this has been done, apply the solution to your rain gutters with a sponge. After this step, be sure to rinse the detergent off with a hose so that it does not adhere to your rain gutters.
