In order to avoid issues caused by clogged gutters, it is important to clean your gutters at least once a year. “Clogged rain gutters can damage your home’s foundation and interior.” (Source: Bob Villa) This can result in costly repairs.
How to clean gutters
1. Collect tools needed:
-
- Gloves
- Method 1 (Using a Ladder):
- sturdy extendable ladder
- ladder stabilizer
- a helper or second person to stabilize the ladder
- garden hose
- pressure washer
- plastic scoop and/or small shovel and/or old plastic spatula
- Method 2 (Standing on Ground): choose one of the following:
- garden hose with telescoping wand
- gutter cleaning telescopic water fed pole
- gutter vacuum system (wet/dry vacuum) with attachment
- power washer
- Tarp or pail to collect debris
2. Spread a tarp under the gutters to collect the debris
3. Methods
a. Extendable Ladder – By hand or using a leaf blower or power washer
- Place the extendable ladder on a sturdy surface underneath your gutters. For safety, use a ladder stabilizer, or ask a second person to hold the ladder for you. A ladder stabilizer will also help prevent gutter damage.
- By Hand: Use your hands to collect larger debris. Use a scoop or small shovel to remove the smaller gunk and compacted debris.
- If you prefer not to use your hands to collect debris, use a leaf blower or power washer. Once an area is clear, reposition the ladder and continue cleaning and removing debris.
- Once all the gutter debris is removed, use your garden hose to flush the gutters and downspouts; keep an eye out for any leaks, standing water (indicating the gutter is not level) and sagging metal which need to be repaired.
- Use a power washer to wash the outside of the gutters and downpipes.
Image: Amazon
b. Standing on Ground – Garden Hose with Telescoping Wand or Telescopic Water Fed Pole or Gutter Vacuum System with Attachment
- If you prefer to clean your gutters while standing at ground level, then use a gutter cleaning telescopic pole or water fed telescopic pole or gutter vacuum system with attachments. Clean your downspouts first. “A gutter cleaning wand attaches to your hose and typically has a curved end that you can direct into the gutter and force the water pressure to move debris either out of the gutter or towards the downspout.” (Source: Pro Tool Reviews)
- Once all the gutter debris is removed, thoroughly flush the gutters and downspouts; keep an eye out for any leaks, standing water (indicating the gutter is not level) and sagging metal which need to be repaired.
- Use a power washer to wash the outside of the gutters and downpipes.
Note: If your home is over one storey tall, consider hiring a professional, for safety’s sake, to clean gutters.
There are a variety of methods to clean your gutters, using leaf blowers, wet/dry vacuums and more. Bob Villa offers a variety of methods in this article, “How to Clean Gutters: The 5 Best Ways to Get the Job Done”.
Also, WikiHow, How to Clean High Gutters, offers a variety of methods with details on how to safely use ladders.
Not sure if your gutters need cleaning, then check out our blog, “Signs That Your Gutters Need Cleaning”.
FAQ’s
When should gutters be cleaned?
Ideally, clean your gutters in the fall after the majority of the leaves have fallen.
How often should gutters be cleaned?
Gutters should be cleaned at least once a year. If you have a lot of overhanging trees, you may need to clean them more frequently.
Sources:
Bob Villa, How to Clean Gutters: The 5 Best Ways to Get the Job Done
Family Handyman, The Best Way to Clean Gutters
Nick’s Window Cleaning, 5 Warning Signs Your Gutters Need Cleaning
Pro Tool Reviews, How to Clean Gutters Quickly and With Little Effort
The Home Depot, How to Clean Gutters I Cleaning Tips
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