Roofing experts recommend cleaning your gutters twice a year, in the spring and the fall. Once a year may be enough if you don’t have any overhanging trees and your gutters don’t accumulate a lot of debris. In that case, a spring cleaning is a great way to prepare for the spring rains. Don’t worry, it’s an easy task. Just follow this simple guide to get the job done.

Why It’s Important to Keep Your Gutters Clean

The gutters in your home direct the flow of rainwater and melting snow. If the water is not drained away, it can cause damage to your home’s roof, walls, windows, doors, and foundation. When gutters are full of debris, they can’t properly route the water. Over time, this may lead to very costly repairs that could have been avoided with some simple cleaning.

Safety First!

As with any home maintenance project, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind when cleaning the gutters. You will likely need to use an extendable ladder, so make sure that it is sturdy and in good condition. Only place the ladder on a solid surface and try to have a helper around in case you need a hand. Always step high enough on the ladder so that you don’t have to extend your reach, but do not step above the second-last rung. Tough work gloves are a must-have as well.

Clearing Out Debris

Before you start clearing, hook a bucket onto your ladder to use for the debris you remove. You should also spread a tarp under your work area to catch the gunk and protect the landscaping. For large debris like twigs and leaves, simply use your hands. For compacted muck, a gutter scoop or even just a plastic child’s sandbox shovel will easily do the trick. Plastic is a better option than metal to avoid damaging your gutters. Make sure you also remove and clean the downspout strainer.

Flushing the Gutters Clean

Once you’ve cleaned the gutters, you can flush any remaining dirt using a garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment. Use a strong stream and flush from the far end moving towards the downspout. Watch for any leaks or areas of standing water as you do this. If your gutters are clear but the water isn’t draining, then your downspouts are likely clogged. In this case, feed the hose up the downspout from the ground and turn it on the highest pressure to dislodge the clog.

Gutter Maintenance and Repairs

If you did notice leaks while flushing your gutters, you can pick up a gutter sealant and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For a seamless look, touch up the seal with some paint. If you noticed standing water, you will also have to fix the slope. To do this, detach the hangers and adjust the slope as needed. Gutters should slope a quarter inch over every 10 feet.

Cleaning the gutters only takes a few easy steps and possibly some small repairs. After you get the hang of it and you have all the right tools on hand, you’ll become a gutter cleaning pro in no time.