There are certain tasks that no one likes to do. Raking the leaves, mowing the lawn, cleaning the windows… it’s all a boring and exhausting collection of household chores that we put off for as long as possible. Gutter cleaning is something we sometimes put off for years, to the detriment of our homes.
For houses that have plastic siding or the like, it’s not a big deal. Blockages will eventually require cleaning, but exterior damage is not likely. For people with log cabins it’s a different story. Not cleaning your rain gutters can have much more serious consequences than you might expect.
Here’s everything you need to know about rain pipes and your log cabin.
Can rain damage my cabin?
Absolutely and commonly it does. Log cabins are made of wood, which is a strong and delicate material. It requires careful handling and care to make sure it stays in the best condition. This is sometimes seen as a drawback by homeowners who balk at the maintenance required for a log home, but those who have one swear by the benefits and are quick to say they outweigh the drawbacks.
One of those disadvantages is the damage that excess water can cause. When it rains, that water is captured in the pipes and smells away from the house. This prevents it from leaking into the interior through the roof or windows, causing damage to the interior.
Log cabins are made of wood, which adds another element to the pipes. The water accumulated in the pipes can cause rotting of the logs if they are not removed. It can also cause the chemicals that protect the wood to break down, which can cause cracking, peeling, and discoloration over time.
You need to make sure your drains are clean at all times to prevent this from happening. In some cases, it can also be beneficial to add additional drainage at the end to carry water even further away from the structure so that the wood cannot leak water from the base. This can happen if the wood has not been repainted as regularly as it should.
How often should I clean my rain gutters if I have a log cabin?
Most experts say that you should clean your gutters once a year. For a house siding would suffice, but for a log cabin it would be better to maintain it more regularly. Try to take care of them once every six months, especially if you come from a humid region that rains more often.
Wind can blow dirt, leaves, and even bugs into gutters. That leaves them vulnerable to problems like clogs, which cause water to back up in the pipes. Eventually these will seep in and start causing water damage, so don’t be too careful.
What tools do I need to clean pipes?
It doesn’t take much to clean your gutters, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need anything. To start with, you need a very stable ladder, one that won’t topple over. Look for one that has an extra bar to help keep it stable on the base. If you can have someone to hold you when you are going up and down.
Next, you need a pair of rubber or gardening gloves. This is important because the stuff that ends up in the pipes can be pretty nasty. You’ll be pulling things out by hand, so don’t leave them unprotected.
This next one isn’t absolutely necessary, but it will make the job much easier and less unpleasant. That is a shovel, one that is made specifically for cleaning gutters. You can find it for less than $10 at any hardware store, including some with retractable fittings or stems that make it longer or shorter.
Finally, have a hose with a spray attachment ready. Once you’ve manually moved most of the materials out of the gutters, you’ll want to flush everything else out and clean it out completely.
Some other items you might like to have on hand are something cool to drink, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and anything else to protect you from the elements. Make sure you have a heavy plastic bag waiting at the bottom of the stairs to clean up anything you drop. You don’t want to take it with you as you could lose some of your traction on the ladder. Simply stack it in the bag when you’re done cleaning the pipes, the debris won’t go anywhere.
Are Gutter Covers Worth the Cost?
Some people will say that the best way to clean gutters is to keep them from getting dirty in the first place. That’s when you should consider gutter covers, which protect pipes from the entry of wind-blown debris.
Decking can be a bit pricey, but it’s worth the investment when it comes to protecting the wood that makes up your home. It goes by thickness, averaging 5 to 6 inches, and you pay by the foot. It will generally cost between $2 and $4 per foot and is easy to install. Simply snap it into place over gutters and wallah! Your pipes are safe.
Should I hire someone to clean my gutters?
This is the question that many people have once they have learned all about maintaining gutters in a log cabin. For some it will be worth paying someone else to do the work for them, especially if it’s only done once or twice a year.
A landscaping company will cover you if you hire them to maintain your garden, but that is quite expensive. A better route may be to advertise for a teen in the neighborhood to come and serve you for $20. Much will be happy to oblige and you just have to sit back, relax and enjoy knowing that your log cabin is safe from the rain.