How to Clean Gutters

Seasons are changing, temperatures are dropping and you know that short, small hailstorm was just a warning of what's to come. This means it's the perfect time to bundle up and get on that tall ladder one last time to clean your house's gutters before the long winter.

 

STEP ONE:

Gather the necessary supplies, including gloves, some sort of small scooping gadget (hands work as well, but a gardening trowel can be much more efficient—and easier) and a receptacle for the debris (a bucket, plastic trash bag or even a milk carton with the top cut off can be handy).  

STEP TWO:

Pull out your tall ladder—or borrow one from the neighbors—and gain access to your roof. (Remember to lean it against something solid, rather than an easily breakable or bendable gutter or downspout.)

STEP THREE:

Now that you're up there, remove leaves, twigs and as much debris as possible with your tools and place in your bag or bucket. If you have a leaf blower and the debris is dry, try that as well.  

STEP FOUR:

Any caked-on dirt and muck should be wet down and carefully removed with your scoop or trowel (or a scrub bursh), making sure not to damage the gutter.

STEP FIVE:

Make sure the downspouts aren't clogged by testing them with water. To unclog, place a water hose in the opening and increase the water pressure (be careful with pressure though, as gutters are not as strong as house pipes). If water isn't effective, use a small plumber’s snake or an unbent hanger.

STEP SIX:

Flush all gutters with water after cleaning. This also allows you to check for leaks as well.


Additional tips and suggestions:
- To cut down on future debris, consider covering your gutters with wire or plastic mesh, or install leaf strainers at the top of the drainpipes.

- When cleaning the gutters, never hold onto the gutter or downspout for support. They’re not created to support that kind of weight.

- If you notice a leak, make note of the exact location. Then allow the gutter to dry completely before using gutter seal on the inside of the gutter.

- You may need to re-align your gutters if they are not draining properly. They should be sloped at a pitch of 1 inch for each 20 feet of length, so if your gutters are banding, sagging or sloping correctly, bend or add new hangers and/or fasteners.

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