Cleaning Your Gutters So They Last

To clean your gutters and make them last, first use a ladder to safely reach higher areas and wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp debris. Then you can use a trowel or scooping tool, such as this $4 scoop from Amazon, to remove leaves and other debris. If you just have some light leaves in your gutters, a blower may suffice to blow them out of your gutters.

After cleaning your gutters it’s important to rinse the gutters with a garden hose to remove any small debris that wasn’t removed by hand or with the blower. Flushing your gutters with water also helps remove any small plant seeds that could lead to plants growing in your gutters between cleanings. Also running water through the system allows you to check that your downspouts are not clogged.

In between cleanings, it’s important to check your gutters for any obstructions that may accumulate- such as bird nests or kids’ toys or balls that could cause blockages and reduce water flow through the gutter system. If left in the gutter, those obstructions prevent water from draining properly, which leads to additional accumulation of leaves and plant debris.

Besides gutter cleaning, gutter guards and screens are a great way to help keep gutters free of debris and reduce the amount of maintenance required. Gutter guards provide a barrier between your gutters and leaves, helping prevent any large debris from entering the gutter system and clogging it up. Additionally, screens also allow water to flow through more easily while keeping out smaller items such as twigs or pine needles.

Taking these measures will keep your gutters clean and allow them to do their job of properly removing water from your gutters. This ultimately keeps your gutters in good working order and prolongs the life span of your gutters. Here are a few more problems associated with not cleaning your gutters.

Lastly, if you are unable to reach certain parts of the roof or gutter system due to height restrictions or steep pitched roofs, it’s recommended that you seek help from a gutter cleaning professional who has the right equipment and experience necessary for safely cleaning these areas. When it comes to gutter cleaning, safety is the top priority.