While incredibly important, gutter cleaning tends to get overlooked when creating the dreaded spring cleaning lists. Though often forgotten, properly functioning gutters are one of the best ways to protect your home from damage and other issues.
Usually, gutters seem to only get attention when they cease to perform their duty. However, at this point, major problems have already developed, and can create other issues that may be costly to fix. These issues include ice dams that can force water into your house, rot in the trim and siding, mold, mildew, and creating a breeding ground for carpenter ants and mosquitoes.
Preventing these issues is easy as long as gutters are cleaned twice a year. The task may seem daunting, but gutter cleaning can be a breeze if the below tips are followed.
Gutter Cleaning Tips and Tricks
- Remove All Debris
First, scoop all debris from the gutters. This can be done by hand, but most would suggest using a rubber scoop made specifically for this task.
Pressure washing the gutters ensures that even the smallest particle is removed. This ensures a smooth path for rainwater allowing it to be properly carried by the gutters rather than overflowing. Make certain to not hit the gutter at too high of an angle, or the pressure washer may cause shingles to come loose from the roof.
Tip: The decomposed debris and leaves found in gutters make great mulch and/or compost.
- Thoroughly Inspect Gutters
Once the debris has been scooped out from the gutters, it is necessary to inspect them for any leaks that may have developed since the last cleaning. If these go unnoticed, then rot and mildew are certain to take over a home’s trim and siding. Scraping away old caulk and applying a new coat is an easy fix for this problem.
At this point, it is also essential to check gutters’ spikes. Some may be completely missing the home’s rafters. If this is the case, new spikes need to be invested in so the gutters stay securely attached to the house. Otherwise, the gutters will start to sag and pull away from the home.
Rivets may have also come loose since the last cleaning and will need to be replaced. This can only be done with a rivet gun and, therefore, a professional may need to be called.
- Safety Is Most Important
Debris flies everywhere when cleaning gutters, and nobody wants any of that getting in their eyes. Because of this, safety goggles are extremely important to wear while performing this task.
No less important than goggles are gloves. These may seem unnecessary, but gloves can protect hands from coming into contact with animal droppings that contain harmful bacteria. They also can prevent cuts and scrapes from any sharp or rusty objects that may be located within the gutters.
Most importantly, make certain to invest in a sturdy ladder. Wooden ladders can wobble easily, so fiberglass or aluminum ladders are generally recommended. Always have a second person holding the ladder sturdy, and make certain to practice the three point rule: both legs and one hand firmly secure on the ladder at all times.
To keep gutters in working order, it is best to clean them at least twice a year. However, homes surrounded by trees may need to have their gutters cleaned more often.
If this doesn’t fit in your schedule, then consider hiring a professional for their gutter cleaning services. A professional’s experience and proper tools can turn this daunting chore into a completed task on your Spring Cleaning to-do list.
[…] Though it’s vital to the well-being of your home, many people overlook the value of clean gutters. Even though they are sometimes forgotten, gutters that properly function protect your home from water damage and other issues. In many cases, gutters are only cleaned after homeowners have reached a point of no return and damage is inevitable, or it already occurred. From ice dams to mold and mildew, you’ll encounter many issues if you do not keep your gutters clean. This infographic will help you understand the most important points. You can also learn more by checking out our in-depth blog on gutter cleaning tips. […]
It’s good to know that rot and mildew can destroy the trim if the gutter is leaking. It makes sense to check for damage while you are cleaning it. You mentioned applying new caulk can fix the problem, does this apply to any material of gutter?
Hi Kendall,
You’ll just want to make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the caulking to see about compatible materials.
Thank you for the insight about inspecting your gutters. I completely agree that it’s important to do that! That being said, I’m not really an expert when it comes to cutters and what they should look like. So, I would think that calling a professional to come and do the inspection and do the cleaning would be most effective so that problems get addressed and fixed right away. I appreciate the insight!
We have a very high roof with gutters that are hard to access. I don’t think we’ve cleaned them out in a long time. I think I might call a professional to do it for us. I don’t think I would feel safe high on a ladder trying clean things. I also wouldn’t know what problems to look for or how to fix them. I’ll definitely add this to my fall cleaning list.
Thanks for sharing some tips for cleaning your gutters. I didn’t realize how much it can affect your home if you let your gutters get backed up. I haven’t paid that much attention to my gutters in the past, but I am going to make sure I start inspecting them and removing the debris that builds up.
I like that you talked about how it is important to understand how to be safe when it comes to cleaning your gutters. I know that I would do things that probably weren’t very safe if I thought it would make the process go faster. It might just be safer for me to have a professional do the cleaning for me.
Yesterday, I spent all afternoon scooping debris out of my gutters. To scoop it, I used a small garden shovel and that worked for me. In the future, I would like to not have so much debris go into my gutters and have been thinking about getting some type of guard to do that, but do you know which would be the best type to get?
Great read, thanks for the tip about mulch. I’ve seen plenty of gutters destroyed from the shaer wight of debris that it was holding. Regular cleanings can and will save you money.
I had no idea that gutters needed to be cleaned twice a year. I have actually never had mine cleaned. It would probably be a good idea to have someone come and clean them. That way, they can get all of the dirt and debris out, and then they can inspect them to see if they are fine and not damaged from the dirt.
My gutter is a mess and I need to get it cleaned. Thanks for the advice about how you should thoroughly inspect your gutters for leaks can cause rotting. It would also be a good idea to get your gutters cleaned professionally if you are not comfortable doing it.