How to Clean Gutters

Posted on January 1st, 2009 by monsterguide

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Don’t you ever wonder where all the rainwater goes when the storm is over? Your home has features that collect and divert water away from the structure. These are the gutters, narrow channels that take rainwater from the roof and move away from the structure and to a drain. You can also find gutters on street curbs.

Gutters prevent water from being trapped in between walls, preventing damage to the house. They also protect doors, windows and siding, and prevent basements from flooding. All these functions show just how important it is that you keep your gutters clean all the time.

You can ask professionals to clean your gutters, but this might cost you hundreds of dollars. Why not do it yourself? Here’s how.

Materials:

Extension ladders
Garden hose
Leaf blowers
Plumber’s snake/ unbent clothes hanger
Gutter scoops/ garden trowels/ large wooden spoon
Caulks
Bucket/ plastic trash bag>

Steps

Go up the roof using the extension ladder. Make sure you don’t lean it against the gutter or the downspout, though, since these can easily break or bend. When the ladder feels sturdy against the house, climb up carefully. Watch your step.
Using either a garden trowel, a large wooden spoon or a gutter scoop, remove the twigs and leaves from the gutter. You can do this using your bare hand, but that might be a bit messy.
Wet the caked-on dirt in the gutter. When it’s loosened, remove it using the gutter trowel or trowel. Be very careful with this step, since removing the dirt can be difficult, and may cause damage to your gutter.
Place a large plastic bag or a bucket on the roof and put all the debris (dirt, twigs and leaves) you collect in it. Many people opt for a garbage bag instead of a bucket, since the bag is lighter, and can be dropped to the ground once it’s full.
Check if your downspouts are clogged or not. If they are, use water to unclog them. Put a garden hose in the opening, and let water run through. Be gentle with this step though, since downspouts can’t stand heavy pressure the same way house drains can.
If you can’t clear the downspout with the hose, use a plumber’s snake or an unbent clothes hanger. Be careful when doing this, since downspouts aren’t as strong as house pipes.
A leaf blower can also clean the gutters well, but it may not be very safe for several reasons, such as you’ll be high up, and in an awkward position; the machine may not be easy for you to carry. The leaf blower can also allow dust to get in your eyes, which is very dangerous if you’re a long way from the ground.
When you’re through cleaning, use the hose to flush the gutters with water. This also lets you see if there are leaks in the system.

A Few More Tips

If your roof is higher than a single story, consider professional help instead of doing the cleaning on your own.
It’s advisable to clean your gutters at least twice a year or more, especially if they’re directly under trees.
Don’t clean your gutters in windy, icy or wet conditions.
Never lean over the edge of the roof. Be careful not to touch power lines.
Wear proper gear when cleaning the gutters. Old clothes, non-slip shoes, safety glasses or goggles are appropriate. Heavy work gloves are also ideal, to protect your hands from sharp screw points or metal parts that are sticking out into their troughs.
Wear a dust mask if you use the leaf blower method.

Cleaning your gutters might not seem significant at first, but it helps keep your house well-maintained and safe. If you want to preserve the beauty and strength of your home, better start doing this task.