Cleaning out your home’s gutters is a tedious but necessary job. However, if you don’t keep them in good condition, you may end up with costly repair bills. Gutters that are full of debris can cause damage to the roofing, siding, and the foundation of your home. Poorly performing gutters also lead to basement leaks, landscaping issues, and even deck damage. Fortunately, it’s easy to clean your gutters and keep your home well-maintained.

On average, gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year in spring and fall. However, if your yard has a lot of trees, cleaning may need to happen more frequently.

Clean Your Gutters Safely

Before you begin the gutter cleaning process, make sure you’re being safe. First, never attempt to clean gutters while standing on a roof. For this job, a ladder is the best way to access the guttering. Place a tarp under the area where you’ll be working to collect leaves and debris. This also prevents your piles from becoming a tripping hazard when moving the ladder. Have a friend or family member spot you from the ground in case the ladder becomes unstable.

Tools for Cleaning the Gutters

To make your cleaning project easier, gather the right tools. You’ll want a stable ladder, gloves, a garden hose or pressure washing machine, a small shovel or gutter cleaning scoop, and a bucket or tarp to catch debris.

Tackle the Project

Now that you are safe and have the proper tools, the cleaning can begin. Use a small shovel to scrape leaves from the gutters. Make sure to wear a sturdy pair of gloves scooping out leaf matter. Toss the debris onto a tarp or into a bucket hanging from your ladder. Once you have cleaned out as much as you can safely reach, carefully move the ladder down the gutter a couple of feet. Don’t move too far as you do not want to overextend your reach. Repeat this process around the home until your gutters are free of all leaves, twigs, and other debris.

Next, using a garden hose, flush out your gutters to remove any smaller bits that you were not able to remove manually. During the flushing process, watch for clogs. A high-pressure water hose can be used for these clogs. Once all cleaning has been completed, haul the debris to the compost pile and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your guttering is well-maintained.

Prudent Home Inspections offers inspections to Maryland, DC, and Virginia. Contact us to schedule an appointment.