Tips for Cleaning Gutters

A home’s gutter system is designed to protect its foundation, siding, roof, and surrounding landscape from water runoff damage. When it fills up with leaves and other debris, it can cause serious clogs that prevent this vital system from working as intended. Gutters need to be cleaned out well in the fall before the temperatures start to drop to reduce the chances of clogs, gutter damage, and ice dams.

Most homeowners opt to work with professional gutter cleaners because these professionals have the tools, safety gear, and expertise required to get the job done more efficiently and safely. For anyone who lives in a multi-story home, hiring a pro is really the only viable option. Homeowners in single-story houses can also read on to find out what they need to know about gutter cleaning before giving it a go for themselves.

The Best Time for Cleaning

Every gutter system should be cleaned out at least once a year, ideally after the leaves have finished falling but before the first winter storm. Homeowners with overhanging trees may also need to get on a ladder and remove debris following big storms, regardless of what time of year they occur.

Tools Required for Gutter Cleaning

Professional gutter cleaners usually have access to a wide variety of specialized tools, from leaf blowers that can blow out debris from the ground to gutter scoops, and more. All of this equipment can make the job much easier, but homeowners can sometimes get away with performing a basic gutter cleaning using tools they have on hand. Start by collecting:

  • A tall, sturdy ladder
  • A ladder stabilizer
  • A bucket
  • A gutter scoop
  • Heavy-duty work gloves
  • A garden hoses

How to Dress for Gutter Cleaning

It’s important that homeowners dress for the job. Before getting up on the ladder, put on a long-sleeved shirt, comfortable work pants, and a pair of heavy-duty rubber gloves. Gutter cleaning can be a very dirty job, and since it’s usually performed at the end of fall, it can also get cold up on the ladder.

Remote Debris Carefully

Use only plastic tools to scoop the debris out of the gutter. If a gutter scoop is not available, a kids’ sandbox shovel, garden trowel, or kitchen spatula will get the job done, too, albeit a little more slowly. Exercise care when using these tools to avoid damaging the gutter system’s components.

Protect the Landscape

Even if homeowners lug a bucket up to the top of the ladder to collect debris, some of it will invariably escape. Lay down a tarp before starting a gutter cleaning job to protect the landscape and lawn.

Clear the Lines

After removing all of the debris, flush the entire gutter system, including the downspouts, with a garden hose. This step won’t just clear out the remaining small debris. It will also indicate if there are any leaks in the system that need to be addressed.

Know When to Call a Pro

Gutter cleaning isn’t always a DIY job. If no one in the household has experience working at height on ladders, using basic tools, and repairing minor damage to gutter systems, it’s best to call in the pros. Hiring professional gutter cleaners will save homeowners time, avoid accidents and unnecessary damage, and ensure that the job gets done right.

 

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