Do you want to know how to clean your gutters and downspouts?
“April showers bring May flowers” – but they can also bring clogged gutters! As the rainy season approaches, it’s essential to ensure your gutters are clean and debris-free to prevent water damage to your home.
Cleaning gutters may not be the most glamorous task, but it’s a necessary one. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to clean your gutters like a pro, so you can spend more time enjoying the springtime blooms and less time worrying about your home’s maintenance.
First, why are gutters so vital?
Gutters and gutter guards are important for protecting your home from moisture. Your roof collects water during a storm, and it collects in your gutters. Rain gutters are designed to disperse of water using downspouts away from your home’s foundation.
When your gutters are clogged, broken, or compromised – they can lead to numerous issues, from water leaks to foundation issues. Erosion is a common issue for homeowners with gutter issues.
This is why it is VITAL to always keep your gutters clean each fall or install self-cleaning gutter guards (don’t install gutter guards that need to be cleaned themselves, that is pointless).
Now that you know about gutters and their importance, let’s learn how to prepare to remove the gutter gunk! Also if you think you need new gutters – you can estimate your gutter costs here for free:
Use our Gutter Calculator!
Easily estimate the cost of what new gutters will cost for your home!
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Estimate Total Footage
Estimate the linear distance in feet for your gutters and also your downspouts!
- You can use Google Maps to search for your home and use the measuring tool to measure your home, or simply use rough estimates (if the front of your home is 40' across and there is one long gutter, you can estimate that at 40').
- Downspouts are usually 13 feet for a one-story home and 23 feet for a two-story home. Count the number of downspouts you have in your home currently.
Remember, this is just an estimate; the final total will be calculated when our install team measures for materials.
Estimate Total Footage
Estimate the linear distance in feet for your gutters and also your downspouts!
- You can use Google Maps to search for your home and use the measuring tool to measure your home, or simply use rough estimates (if the front of your home is 40' across and there is one long gutter, you can estimate that at 40').
- Downspouts are usually 13 feet for a one-story home and 23 feet for a two-story home. Count the number of downspouts you have in your home currently.
Remember, this is just an estimate; the final total will be calculated when our install team measures for materials.
Would you like to add gutter protection?
You can select from one of two options for gutter protection, affordable OR self-cleaning (no maintenance required).
Estimate the total amount of gutters (do not include the downspouts). Remember, this is just an estimate; the final total will be calculated when our install team measures materials.
Final Cost
The final estimated price is :
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How to Prepare to Clean Your Gutters
1. Tools and Materials You’ll Need to Clean Gutters:
To effectively clean your gutters, you’ll need to gather the necessary tools and materials beforehand. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Ladder: A sturdy, extendable ladder that’s tall enough to reach your gutters is essential. Make sure to place it on a flat surface and secure it before climbing.
- Work gloves: You’ll be getting your hands dirty, so a pair of thick work gloves will protect your hands from sharp debris, pests, and other hazards.
- Eye protection: Gutter cleaning can be a messy job, so wearing safety glasses or goggles will protect your eyes from debris, insects, and other particles.
- Gutter scoop: A gutter scoop is specifically designed to remove debris from your gutters. You can buy plastic at your local hardware store or use a handheld trowel or scoop.
- Bucket: To dispose of the debris you collect, you’ll need a bucket or a trash bag.
- Garden hose: After you’ve removed the larger debris, you’ll need to flush out the gutters with a garden hose to remove any smaller particles or dirt.
- Safety harness: If you’re cleaning gutters on a particularly high roof or at an angle, a safety harness or rope system can provide an extra level of safety.
Make sure to gather all of these tools and materials before you begin cleaning your gutters. Having everything you need at hand will make the process smoother and safer.
2. Take Safety Precautions
Cleaning gutters can be a risky task if safety precautions are not taken seriously. Here are some safety precautions you should keep in mind:
Use a sturdy ladder
Make sure to use a sturdy ladder that’s tall enough to reach your gutters, and set it up on a flat and stable surface. Secure the ladder by tying it to a stable point or using a ladder stabilizer to prevent it from wobbling or tipping over. A sturdy extension ladder can be especially helpful for reaching higher eaves and gutters.
Wear appropriate clothing and gear.
Wear work gloves and safety glasses or goggles to protect your hands and eyes from sharp gutter debris, pests, and other hazards.
Check the weather
Don’t attempt to clean your gutters during a rainstorm, strong winds, or extreme temperatures. Wet leaves and debris can make the gutters slippery and dangerous to climb.
Use a safety harness.
If you’re cleaning gutters on a particularly high roof or at an angle, a safety harness or rope system can provide an extra level of safety.
Work with a partner
Have someone hold the ladder steady for you or assist you with the cleaning process. Working with a partner can also be helpful in case of an emergency.
Be cautious of wet surfaces.
Wet surfaces can be slippery, so be extra cautious when cleaning gutters after a rainstorm or during wet conditions.
Beware of power lines
Make sure your ladder is nowhere near power lines or electrical hazards. Remember to always prioritize safety and take the necessary precautions to prevent accidents.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Gutters
Now that you have the necessary tools and safety precautions in place, let’s go over the steps for cleaning your gutters.
1. Set up your ladder
Set up a sturdy ladder on a flat surface and secure it with rope or a stabilizer to keep it from wobbling or tipping over. Make sure it’s tall enough to reach your gutters.
2. Scoop out the debris
Using a gutter scoop or trowel, scoop out the larger debris from your gutters and place it in a bucket or trash bag for disposal. Be sure to wear gloves and avoid making contact with any pests you may encounter.
3. Flush the gutters
Once you’ve removed the larger debris, flush out the gutters with a garden hose to remove any smaller particles or dirt. Make sure to start from the top of your roof and work your way down. Clean gutters are essential for proper drainage and water flow.
4. Check the downspouts
Check the downspouts for any blockages. If there are any, use a plumbing snake or a long stick to push the debris through the downspout.
5. Check for damage
After cleaning your gutters, check for signs of damage, such as rust, cracks, or holes. If you find any issues, contact a professional for repairs as soon as possible.
6. Dispose of debris properly
Once you’ve finished cleaning your gutters, it’s essential to dispose of the debris properly. Never dump the contents in your yard or nearby streams and rivers. Instead, take them to your local landfill or composting center.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Regular maintenance and cleaning of your gutter system are essential for proper drainage and water flow. Even if you don’t see any debris, it’s still important to check your gutters at least twice a year to make sure they’re not clogged or damaged. Below are some tips for maintaining your gutters:
- Trim surrounding trees: Overhanging tree branches can drop leaves and debris into your gutters, so it’s essential to trim them regularly to prevent future clogs.
- Install gutter guards: Gutter guards can be installed to prevent debris from entering your gutters in the first place. They come in various styles and materials, so do your research to find the best fit for your home.
- Schedule regular cleanings: To prevent future clogs and keep your gutters in good condition, schedule regular cleanings at least twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall.
- Check for damage: Regularly inspect your gutters for any signs of damage or wear. Look for cracks, holes, or rusted spots, and repair or replace any damaged sections as necessary.
- Maintain proper drainage: Ensure your gutters are draining properly and that water is flowing away from your home’s foundation. If you notice any drainage issues, consider installing downspout extensions or adjusting the angle of your gutters.
- Clean up after storms: After heavy rain or storm, check your gutters for any remaining debris that may have accumulated. Remove any debris and make sure that your gutters are draining properly.
Consider Gutter Guards
If you are tired of cleaning your gutters or having to pay someone to do it, you should really consider having a gutter guard installed to protect your gutters. Professional installation of gutter guards can help protect your gutters from leaves and other debris but also prevent you from having to pay for annual cleanings.
➡️ Learn more about gutter guards here.
Conclusion
Fact: According to a survey, 73% of homeowners have never cleaned their gutters!
If you’re one of the 73%, it’s time to grab your ladder and get to work! Cleaning your gutters may not be the most glamorous task, but it’s an important one that can save you time and money in the long run.
Remember to take safety precautions and use the necessary tools and materials. And don’t forget about aftercare and maintenance – trimming trees, installing gutter guards, and scheduling regular cleanings can keep your gutters in top shape. So channel your inner gutter-cleaning guru and tackle those gutters like a pro!
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