Gutter Cleaning

Gutter cleaning is one of those ugly chores homeowners often dread. Items such as leaf guards can help solve the problem of leaves, dirt, dead things and what not lodging in your gutters and clogging them up. However, they don't eliminate the need for gutter cleaning. In this article we'll discuss why you need a gutter system and outline some basic steps you can take to clean your gutters.

Water Damage

The number one reason for installing gutters and down spouts on your house is to prevent water damage. Water collecting around the exterior of your home can cause serious damage to the foundation, basement walls and exterior trim such as siding. A gutter and downspout system collects and diverts water away from the sides of your home. Unfortunately, rotting organic matter and dirt can easily clog gutters and downspouts. This means water doesn't drain away from the house like it is supposed to. Instead the water settles onto the roof and eaves and overflows onto areas around the house. Dirty gutters can cause twice as much damage as no gutters at all—undermining both the foundation and roof structures of a home. Neglecting your gutters is always a costly mistake!

Cleaning Tips

First, you are going to need a few things: a tall sturdy ladder, gloves, a helper, a hose with a spray or pressure attachment, a bucket or tarp and some gutter caulk. You may also want to have a ladder stabilizer to help keep your ladder from leaning on the gutters and crushing them.

If you have leaf guards installed over your gutters, your first task will be to clean and inspect them. Clogged leaf guards are no use to you, neither are damaged leaf guards. There are two basic ways to get the gunk out of your gutters: put your gloves on and start scooping it out by hand or use a tool designed for the job. Throw the debris from the gutter into the bucket or onto the tarp to contain it for easy disposal. Don't try to wash any built up debris down your gutter—it will inevitably end up splashing all over the place making a huge mess you'll need to clean up.

Once you've cleared the leaves and other particles from your gutters, use the hose to thoroughly wash out any residue. While the water is running through the gutters check for leaks and apply gutter putty as needed. Most downspouts have a screen where the gutter joins them. Clean, inspect and repair or replace this item as well. This type of gutter cleaning should be done at least twice a year, more often if many trees surround your house.