How To Clean Your Gutters

As we mentioned in our fall maintenance checklist, cleaning gutters is very important to the overall health of your home as gutters blocked by debris such as leaves and branches will cause water to buildup on your roof as well as ice dams to form. Gutters need clear paths to allow water to flow correctly.

You should clean your gutters twice a year, depending on how close they are to deciduous trees. Here's how.

1. Clear Debris
Set a ladder firmly on the ground and watch for overhanging wires or branches as you climb to reach the gutter furthest away from the downspout. Clear debris farthest from the downspout first and move in that direction.

2. Hose It
Use a garden hose with a pressure nozzle (set to jet) to remove excess dirt and leaves from gutter.

3. Inspection
Visually inspect cleaned gutter for holes, rust, or damage. Now is the time to repair your gutter and kits are available at most hardware stores depending on the type of gutter you have (wood, aluminum, vinyl).

4. Leaf Traps
Consider installing leaf traps to prevent debris from falling into the gutter. We saw the GutterMonster at this years Builders Show and there are other products similar.

Tip: It might be helpful to use waterproof gloves, a trowel and bucket to make cleaning and cleanup easier.

Tip 2: Be careful on your ladder

photo: cursedthing

Charles & Hudson | Comments () |

Tyler Perkins

Cleaning the gutters is a man's job..I usually do it with my son, while my wife keeps the house clean and cook meals for us. It's very tiring, but at the end of the day, it feels so fulfilling.

HallettGC

Yup, hoses or pressure washers really help a lot. Saves half the time in terms of cleaning the gutters of leaves and stuff! You can also attach gutter covers, but the type of you'll need to install depends on the type of debris your roof is always getting.

Gutter Covers

Cleaning gutters will involve a bit of brushing, washing, sweeping, and even spraying. Though it looks like nothing, but there’s a risk of inhaling molds and bacteria which may lead to allergic reactions or diseases. Wear a mask preferably one that covers the half of your face completely (nose, mouth and chin). No matter what type of gutter cover you may have it will still need regular cleaning. Check your gutters by autumn or after heavy rain for any potential clogs and clean them up as soon as possible.

Monique Snead

Of course, it's always important to put safety first. Cleaning those gutters is important to you and your house. At the same time, making sure you avoid any health hazards will make the job much more easier and efficient. Above everything else, doing that will keep you safe.

headlemur

2. Step down firmly on first rung to insure ladder is seated and level. Adjust as necessary.
3. Check for loose fasteners and tighten as you work.

Terence Watthens

Yep. It's important to know how safe you are first. It's best to do any roof job under clear skies, as well, with no bad weather and rain that can make you slip out there.