Keeping your gutters clean is an essential part of maintaining your home. When gutters are neglected, leaves, twigs, and other debris build up and create clogs. This causes water to overflow, damaging your roof, siding, and foundation. We’ll walk you through how to clean your gutters safely and effectively so they remain in top condition throughout the year.
Why is Cleaning Gutters Important?
Gutters funnel rainwater away from your house, protecting your roof, walls, foundation, and landscaping from water damage. However, when they become clogged with debris, this water flow is disrupted. Overflowing water can damage your home’s exterior and lead to problems like mold growth, basement flooding, and soil erosion around the foundation.
Steps to Clean Your Gutters
Cleaning your gutters may seem difficult, but with the right approach, it’s manageable for most homeowners. Here’s how to do it.
1. Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before starting, you’ll need a strong ladder, a trowel or gutter scoop, a bucket or bag for collecting debris, a garden hose with a spray nozzle, and gloves to protect your hands. Depending on the state of your gutters, you may also want a plumber’s snake for any tough clogs in the downspouts.
2. Set Up Your Ladder Safely
Place your ladder on stable ground, and set it to a comfortable height to reach the gutters without overextending yourself. It’s always smart to have someone nearby to assist in case of an accident or to stabilize the ladder.
3. Remove Debris by Hand
Once you’re up the ladder, remove leaves, twigs, and debris from the gutter using your hand or gutter scoop. Place the debris into a bucket or bag as you go to keep your work area tidy. Always be cautious to avoid damaging the gutters, especially if they’re older or made from softer materials like aluminum.
4. Flush the Gutters
After clearing out the debris, it’s time to flush the gutters with water to remove remaining dirt or smaller particles. Run water through the gutters using a garden hose with a spray nozzle to confirm they’re draining properly. This is also a good time to check for leaks or sections of the gutter that are sagging or pulling away from the house.
5. Check and Clear Downspouts
Clogged downspouts can lead to water backup in the gutters. Use the hose to flush water through the downspouts. If the water doesn’t drain freely, use a plumber’s snake or a similar tool to clear blockages.
6. Inspect for Damage
While cleaning, inspect your gutters for signs of wear and tear. Look for rust, cracks, or sagging sections. Address these issues promptly to avoid more serious problems down the road.
Preventing Future Clogs
To reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning, install gutter guards or screens that help block larger debris from entering the gutter system. While they won’t eliminate the need for cleaning altogether, they cut down on the amount of debris that makes its way into your gutters.
Trimming back trees and branches that overhang your home will reduce the number of leaves and twigs that fall into the gutters.
Follow these steps and maintain a regular cleaning schedule to keep your gutters in optimal condition and protect your home from water damage.
FAQs for Clean Your Gutters
How often should I clean my gutters?
How often you clean your gutters depends on several factors, including your location and the surrounding environment. Aim to clean your gutters at least twice a year: once in the spring and again in the fall. If your home is near trees that shed leaves or needles, you may need to clean them more often. After a big storm, it’s always wise to check for debris buildup.
Can I clean gutters without climbing a ladder?
While there are tools designed for cleaning gutters from the ground, such as telescoping wands or specialized vacuums, they might not be as effective as manual cleaning from a ladder. For best results, getting up close is recommended.
How long does it take to clean gutters?
The time it takes to clean your gutters depends on the size of your home, the amount of debris, and your experience. Generally, expect the task to take between one to three hours.
What happens if I don’t clean my gutters?
Neglecting gutter maintenance can lead to serious issues like roof leaks, foundation damage, mold growth, and more. Regular cleaning helps prevent these costly problems.
Border Home and Property Inspections offers extensive home inspection services in the Midwest region of Alberta and Saskatchewan. If you’re buying or selling a property, contact us to request an appointment.